M 5.3 Earthquake, Southwest Sumba, No Tsunami Potential, Triggered By Plate Subduction Activities

Illustration of the impact of the earthquake. (Unsplash-Mick Haupt)

An earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 5.3 struck Kodi, Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) today, Wednesday, July 12.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake located in the sea at a distance of 76 km southwest of Kodi Bangedo with a depth of 45 km was triggered by plate subduction activity.

"By paying attention to the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow type of earthquake due to plate subduction activity," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, in Jakarta, Wednesday, July 12, as reported by Antara.

Dayono said the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 10.25 south latitude and 118.79 east longitude.

He added that the results of the analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a thrust fault mechanism.

He also said that the results of the BMKG analysis showed that this earthquake had updated parameters with a magnitude of M5.1 and had no potential for a tsunami.

Daryono revealed that the earthquake that occurred at 15.39 WIB caused shocks in the Southwest Sumba area with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI (modified mercy intensity), meaning that during the day it was felt by many people in the house.

"Until now, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake," he said.

As of 15.50 WIB, it was stated that the results of BMKG monitoring had not shown any aftershock activity.

He appealed to the public to avoid cracked or damaged buildings caused by the earthquake.

"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 you return to the house," he said.

In addition, he also appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified.