Bumi Bengkulu Shakes Early In The Morning, Residents Shocked By The 6.3 M Earthquake
BENGKULU Gempa bumi berkekuatan magnitudo 6,3 mengguncang wilayah barat daya Bengkulu, Provinsi Bengkulu, pada Jumat 23 Mei dini hari. Berdasarkan catatan Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG), gempa terjadi pada pukul 02.52 WIB dengan pusat gempa di kordinator 4,17 Lintang Selatan dan 102,17 Berang Timur.
Meteorology and Geophysics Observer of BMKG Kepahiang, Sabar Ardiansyah, explained that the epicenter was in the sea, about 43 kilometers southwest of Bengkulu City, with a depth of 10 kilometers.
"Until now there have been no reports from the public regarding the damage caused by the earthquake," said Sabar, quoted from ANTARA.
Even so, Sabar said the earthquake had the potential to be followed by small earthquakes. However, there is no potential for a tsunami.
Earthquake shocks were felt in almost all areas of Bengkulu Province, including Kaur, North Bengkulu, Kepahiang, Lebong, Seluma, South Bengkulu, Mukomuko, and Central Bengkulu Regencies. Vibrations were also felt up to Empat Lawang Regency and Lubuk Linggau City in South Sumatra Province.
BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm and not easily influenced by information that had no clear source. Residents are also reminded to understand disaster mitigation measures and prepare themselves for possible aftershocks.
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From January to August 16, 2024, BMKG recorded 746 earthquakes in the Bengkulu area with varying magnitudes. First Meteorology and Geophysics Observer, Muhammad Najib, said the biggest earthquake during that period occurred on Enggano Island with a magnitude of 6.3. While the smallest earthquake was recorded with a magnitude of 1.9.
"These earthquakes are spread evenly in areas such as Mukomuko, North Bengkulu, South Bengkulu, and Enggano Island. But so far there have been no reports of infrastructure damage due to earthquake activity," said Najib.