BMKG: The NTT Earthquake Has Nothing To Do With The Eruption Of Semeru To Mount Awu

Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati/DOK VIA ANTARA

JAKARTA - Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati confirmed that the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara was not related to the activity of a number of volcanoes, such as Mount Semeru to Mount Awu.

"Currently there is an eruption of Semeru, Mount Awu. Is there a connection? Our answer is that there is no connection," Dwikorita said at an online press conference, Tuesday, December 14.

He confirmed that volcanic activity often triggers tectonic earthquakes. However, so far, Dwikorita said, the party did not see any connection between the volcanic activity and the earthquake in NTT.

"We haven't seen this happen yet and for volcanic activity, the analysis with the volcanology center or PVMBG which is currently handling Mount Semeru and Mount Awu has nothing to do with it," he said.

Previously, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued an early warning for a tsunami after an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 rocked the Flores Sea, East Nusa Tenggara.

After the earthquake occurred, the people then scattered. Fransiskus Tukan, a resident in East Flores, Larantuka, said the earthquake occurred in a short duration. contacted by VOI from Jakarta, Tuesday, December 14. However, continued Frano, the strength of the earthquake suddenly increased and made residents panic, run and scatter out of their houses. Almost in every house, residents look for a safe location by standing in the yard or city streets. "The earthquake felt great. It was like sleeping soundly. From small, slowly, suddenly it became big. All residents ran to the yard to avoid collapsing buildings or building materials," added Frano.