7.4 Magnitude Earthquake In Banda Sea, BNPB Waits For BPBD Report

JAKARTA - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is still waiting for a report from the Southwest Maluku Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) regarding the impact of the 7.4 magnitude (M) earthquake that occurred in the Banda Sea.

"We are still waiting for a report from the Southwest Maluku BPBD, access to the location by boat, from the district capital is around 3-6 hours," said the acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Information and Communication Data Center, Abdul Muhari, quoted by Antara, Thursday, December 30.

Abdul said the local BPBD was still checking in the field, either via communication or trying to come to the location.

Previously, an earthquake in the Banda Sea measuring M7.4 occurred on Thursday, December 30 at around 01.25 WIB or 03.25 local time. The epicenter of the earthquake was 45 km northwest of Southwest Maluku (MBD), Maluku Province, with a depth of 210 km.

It was reported that the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami.

BMKG monitoring recorded the strength of the earthquake as measured by the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale showing Takur V – VI MMI, Tepa IV-V MMI, Saumlaki IV MMI, Tual and Rote III MMI and Sabu, Raja Ampat, Kota Sorong II MMI. Parameter VI MMI describes the vibration felt by all residents and most of them were shocked and ran out, the plaster of the walls fell and the chimney of the factory was damaged, minor damage.

After the M7.4 earthquake, aftershocks with a magnitude above 5.0 occurred at 03.32 WIB or 05.32 local time. BMKG recorded an M5.1 earthquake centered 36 km northwest of Southwest Maluku with a depth of 170 km.

Based on the inaRISK analysis, MBD Regency is an area that is at a moderate to high earthquake hazard potential. A total of 17 sub-districts located in the archipelago were identified as being at this potential hazard. The district also has a moderate to high tsunami hazard potential in the same sub-districts.

Until now, the BNPB Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) is still monitoring and coordinating with the local BPBD. The public is advised to remain vigilant and prepared for the potential danger of an earthquake or tsunami.