6.2 Magnitude Tectonic Earthquake In Talaud Islands, BMKG: No Tsunami Potential

JAKARTA - A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 that rocked Talaud Regency, North Sulawesi, on Saturday at 07.43.55 WIB with the epicenter located at coordinates 2.99° North Latitude: 126.64° East Longitude, or precisely located at sea at a distance of 112 km southwest of Melonguane City at a depth of 23 km, according to the BMKG, does not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

In a written statement in Jakarta, Saturday, the BMKG said the earthquake that occurred was a shallow type of earthquake due to deformation or faulting of the Maluku Sea Plate. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has an upward fault movement mechanism.

The earthquake shock was felt in the Sangihe III-IV MMI area (when many people felt it in the house during the day), Tomohon, Bitung, Boltim II MMI (the vibration was felt by several people, light objects that were hung swayed).

So far, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake. The modeling results show that the earthquake has no potential for a tsunami.

As of 08.45 WIB, BMKG monitoring results showed that there were eight aftershock activities with the largest magnitude of 5.8 and the smallest of 3.5.

The public is advised to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified. In order to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake. Check and make sure the building where you live is earthquake-resistant enough, or there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before you return to the house.

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of the Talaud Islands Regency immediately coordinated with the village and sub-district authorities. When the earthquake occurred, residents of Melonguane Subdistrict, Talaud Islands Regency, North Sulawesi Province (North Sulawesi) did not feel the earthquake shock. Community activities are running normally.

Furthermore, the BNPB Operations Control Center (Pusdalops) received reports of aftershocks with a magnitude of 5.8. The aftershock that occurred at 07.51 WIB was 113 km southeast of Melonguange District. The epicenter of the earthquake was in the sea at a depth of 10 KM. Based on the modeling, the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami.

After seven minutes, another aftershock occurred with a magnitude of 5.1. The epicenter of the earthquake was 112 km southwest of Melonguane District with a depth of 34 km.

In these aftershocks, the local BPBD reported that its residents did not feel the shaking. People continue their normal activities. BMKG reported that as of 08.25 WIB, five aftershocks or aftershock activity had the smallest magnitude of 3.6.

From the results of coordination with the sub-district, the earthquake shock was felt weak for three to five seconds in Salibabu District. According to BPBD, there has been no information from the villages in the sub-district that have been affected so far.

While information from the Tahuna sub-district, local residents did not feel the earthquake shock. People seem to be doing normal activities.

BNPB continues to coordinate with the Talaud Islands Regency BPBD to obtain the latest post-earthquake information. BNPB appealed to residents to remain vigilant and alert to potential earthquake hazards and to respond to information circulating in the community. False information or hoaxes can have a negative impact on responding to post-event situations.