Active Fault Triggers M 4.6 Earthquake In West Muna, Central Sulawesi

JAKARTA - A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 4.6 rocked the Northeast of West Muna, Southeast Sulawesi (Sulteng), on Monday, October 13 at 05.08 WIB.

Based on the analysis of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the epicenter of the earthquake was located on land at coordinates 4.77 degrees south latitude and 122.59 degrees east longitude, about 16 kilometers northeast of West Muna, with a depth of 5 kilometers.

Head of Kendari Geophysics Station, Rudin, explained that the earthquake was a shallow category and was triggered by active fault activity in the Northeast of West Muna.

"This earthquake is a type of shallow earthquake due to active fault activity," said Rudin in an official statement, Monday morning.

Based on the results of the shock mapping (shakemap) and community reports, the earthquake was felt in West Muna and Muna with intensity III of the MMI IV, or felt by many people inside the house and causing light objects to vibrate. Until now there have been no reports of damage to buildings due to the earthquake.

BMKG ensures that this earthquake does not have the potential for a tsunami and until 05.35 WIB there has been no follow-up earthquake activity. People are advised to remain calm, not to be provoked by irresponsible issues, and to ensure the condition of the building where they live is safe before returning to their homes.

Official information regarding earthquakes can only be accessed through the official BMKG channel, including the website www.bmkg.go.id, the InfoBMKG application, and verified social media @infoBMKG.