Bengkulu Is Really Prone to Earthquakes, This Year There Are 476 Times With The Highest Strength of M 6.8

JAKARTA - The BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) noted, from January to December 14, 2022, 476 tectonic earthquakes occurred in Bengkulu.

"Since January until now there have been 476 earthquakes in the Bengkulu region", said BMKG's First Meteorology and Geophysics Observer (PMG) Kepahiang Ayu Wandari when confirmed, Thursday 15 December.

The strength of the earthquake that occurred from January until now, has varied earthquake strength, with the lowest strength being 2.3 magnitudes and the highest strength being around 6.8 magnitudes.

There are three areas in Bengkulu Province where tectonic earthquakes frequently occur. Starting from around the Enggano Island area, Kaur Regency, and South Bengkulu Regency.

Even though earthquakes often occur in Bengkulu, the community is asked to remain vigilant in the event of an earthquake by preparing to evacuate if they feel an earthquake at any time.

Meanwhile, the Head of BMKG Data and Information for the Baai Island Climatology Station Bengkulu, Anang Anwar, explained that earthquakes that frequently occur in the Bengkulu region with small strengths cause the release of energy in the earth's plates to occur continuously thereby reducing the occurrence of large magnitude earthquakes.

"With the frequent occurrence of earthquakes, the people of Bengkulu are expected not to panic when an earthquake occurs, but remain alert and always be careful", he said as quoted by Antara.

On Friday, November 18 there were six aftershocks on Enggano Island with varying strengths since the magnitude 6.8 occurred.

The first earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8, the second had a magnitude of 4.7, the third had a magnitude of 5.6, the fourth had a magnitude of 4.4, the fifth had a magnitude of 4.3 and the sixth had a magnitude of 4.4 and the seventh had a magnitude of 4.1.