BMKG Records 15 Aftershocks In NTT

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 15 aftershocks occurred until 12:40 WITA in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The strength of the aftershocks is now decreasing.

"Aftershocks occurred until 12.40 WITA. It was recorded that we monitored 15 aftershocks with a maximum strength of magnitude 5.6," said BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati in an online press conference, Tuesday, December 14.

With this condition, the BMKG ended the tsunami early warning that appeared when the earthquake first occurred. People can also return to their respective places of residence.

"So we are still monitoring the aftershocks, which tend to weaken, the highest being a magnitude of 5.6," he said.

Even so, the BMKG appealed to the people on the northern coast of East Flores and Lembata Island to remain calm and alert. Dwikorita said that if there was a big enough shock, it was hoped that it would return to a higher place.

"It's possible to return (to their respective homes, ed), but if at any time you feel a strong enough shock on the beach or feel that you have been swinging for more than 10 counts, please look for a higher place," he said.

According to him, this kind of shock can trigger a tsunami. Therefore, the public is asked not to wait for the tsunami warning sirens to sound to evacuate themselves.

Dwikorita said the public could detect a tsunami threat or not by remaining alert and feeling the shock in the event of aftershocks.

"There are still possible aftershocks that hopefully aren't too strong. But if they are too strong, so that the ladies and gentlemen on the beach, at the mouth of the river feel another swing, or feel they are about to fall, please return immediately to higher ground even though the siren has not yet been heard." sound," he said.

"So don't wait for the sirens. The shaking of the earthquake makes you feel shaky, if you are on the beach, it can be an early warning for a tsunami," added Dwikorita.

Previously, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning for a tsunami after an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 rocked the Flores Sea, East Nusa Tenggara on Tuesday, December 14.

Quoted from the BMKG website, based on observations of sea level, tsunami waves were detected in the Marapokot and Reo areas. It is estimated that the tsunami height in Marapokot at 10:36 WIB will reach 0.07 meters and in the Reo area at 10:39 WIB.