BMKG Urges Salatiga Residents To Stay Calm Against Earthquake Detetan

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

BANJARNEGARA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to residents of Salatiga City, Central Java, and its surroundings to remain calm about the series of earthquakes that occurred since Saturday, May 27. Residents are asked not to be influenced by issues that cannot be justified. "Check and make sure the building where you live is earthquake-resistant enough, or there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before returning to the house," said Head of BMKG Geophysics Station Hery Susanto Wibowo in Banjarnegara, Central Java, Antara, Monday, May 29. Based on observations made by the BMKG of the Banjarnegara Geophysics Station from Saturday to Monday morning, there were four earthquakes felt by Salatiga residents and their surroundings with a magnitude ranging from 2.2 to 2.5. According to him, the series of earthquakes is thought to be a series of earthquakes that occurred in 2021. "What can be seen from the spread of the epicenter is close to the incident from October to November 2021 which was allegedly triggered by the Merapi-Merapi fault activity," he said. In this case, he said, around the location of the earthquake there were three active faults consisting of the Merapi-Merapi, Ungaran, and Rawapening fault faults. However, it is possible that new faults have not been identified and appeared around the location of the earthquake. However, he admitted that a more in-depth study was needed to determine that the earthquakes that occurred in Salatiga and its surroundings were caused by these faults. "If you look at the distribution, the series of earthquakes that have occurred in the last few days has indeed led more to the Merapi-Merapi fault, but further studies are needed," he said. Hery said that based on the geological map in 1975, especially the Magelang and Semarang sheets, it was known that the Salatiga, Ambarawa, and surrounding areas were composed by alumcial deposits that could enlarge waves or earthquakes even with small magnitudes. Therefore, he said, the local community was advised to build houses that were earthquake-resistant in order to anticipate damage when an earthquake occurred. With a series of small magnitude earthquakes in Salatiga and its surroundings, he said, it is hoped that it can reduce the possibility of a larger magnitude earthquake because its energy has been released through small earthquakes. Regarding the series of earthquakes in 2021 in Salatiga and its surroundings, he said based on data, the largest magnitude only reached 3.5. "Based on a macro survey or direct survey to the field, there was indeed damage there, such as cracks in the building. Of course, we also have to look at the structure of the buildings there, whether they are earthquake resistant or in accordance with the rules of infrastructure development," he said.