BMKG: Fault Activity Causes Earthquakes in Muna and Mubar

The earthquake point based on the BMKG Kendari model, Southeast Sulawesi, Saturday, January 3. (photo: ANTARA/HO-BMKG Kendari)

Kendari - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that fault activity was the cause of the earthquake in Muna Regency and West Muna Regency (Mubar), Southeast Sulawesi Province.

Head of the Regional BMKG IV, Irwan Slamet, when contacted in Kendari, Saturday night, January 3, said the earthquake occurred at around 18.55 Wita.

"The Lasalepa and Watopute areas of Muna Regency, as well as the Kusambi area of West Muna Regency were shaken by a tectonic earthquake," said Irwan Slamet.

He explained that the results of the BMKG analysis showed that the earthquake had a magnitude of 3.4. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 4.75 South Latitude and 122.71 East Longitude.

"Or more precisely, it is located on land at a distance of 9 kilometers north of Muna, South Sulawesi Province, at a depth of 7 kilometers," he said.

Irwan Slamet said, by paying attention to the epicenter location and hypocenter depth, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow earthquake due to the activity of the Kolaka South 1 Fault.

Based on the estimation of the shakemap and community reports, the earthquake caused shaking in the Lasalepa and Watopute areas, Muna Regency, and the Kusambi District, West Muna Regency, with intensity II-III MMI.

"Or the vibration is felt by some people, light objects that are hung sway, and the vibration is felt real in the house. It feels like there is a truck passing by," said Irwan Slamet.

He added that until now BMKG had not received reports of damage due to the earthquake.

"Until 20.15 Wita, the results of BMKG monitoring have not shown any subsequent earthquake events," he explained.

Irwan Slamet also appealed to the public to remain calm and only get information from the media and official communication channels that have been verified.