A Series Of Tectonic Earthquakes In Sumba Has No Potential For A Tsunami

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that a series of tectonic earthquakes that occurred on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

On Saturday, August 8, a number of earthquakes occurred. At 17:17:52 WIB, 17.23.32 WIB and 17:45:51 WIB the area of Sumba Island-NTT was rocked by a series of tectonic earthquakes.

Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Rahmat Triyono said the results of the BMKG analysis showed that this earthquake occurred with a time difference of 5 minutes and 28 minutes from the first earthquake. The three epicenters are located in the sea in the southwest direction of the City of Waikabubak, West Sumba Regency, NTT at a depth of 10 km.

By paying attention to the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was shallow due to the deformation of the continental crust on the seabed.

The results of the analysis of the source mechanism of the three earthquakes indicated that the earthquake had a normal fault mechanism.

According to BMKG data, this earthquake shock was felt in the Tambolaka IV MMI area, Waingapu, Waikabubak III-IV MMI, Labuan Bajo, Bima, Dompu III MMI. However, until now there has been no report of the impact of the damage caused by the earthquake.

"The modeling results show that this earthquake has no potential for a tsunami," said Triyono from a statement received by VOI, Saturday, August 8.

He added that the three earthquake events were a series of aftershocks that occurred on August 5. As of August 8, 18.00 WIB, 112 aftershocks had recorded.

Triyono appealed to the public to remain calm and not be affected by issues that cannot be justified.

"In order to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged due to the earthquake. Check and make sure the building where you live is sufficiently resistant to earthquakes, or that there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations which endanger the stability of the building before you return to the house," he said.