Due to Plate Subduction Activity, M 5.0 Earthquake Shakes Lebak

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The earthquake with an updated magnitude (M) of 5.0 in the Cigemlong area, Lebak, Banten on Friday, March 18 at 03.53 western Indonesia time, was a medium-sized earthquake due to plate subduction activity, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

In a written statement received in Jakarta, Friday, previously the earthquake was reported to have a parameter M of 5.1.

The epicenter of the earthquake is located at coordinates 6.75° South Latitude; 106.21° East Longitude, or to be precise, located on land in the Cigemlong area, Lebak, Banten at a depth of 154 km.

"By taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a medium-sized earthquake due to plate subduction activity," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Bambang Setiyo Prayitno, as quoted by Antara.

Bambang explained that the results of the analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a downward shear movement mechanism (normal oblique).

The earthquake had an impact and was felt in the Cibaliung area with an intensity scale of II-III MMI (the vibration was felt in the house. The vibration felt as if a truck was passing), Bogor, Depok, Karawaci, Tangerang and South Tangerang, and Pandeglang with an intensity scale of I-II MMI (Vibrations are felt by some people, light objects swaying).

The modeling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential.

"As of 04.45 western Indonesia time, the results of BMKG monitoring have not shown any aftershock activity," said Bambang.

Bambang appealed to the public 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 residential building is earthquake-resistant enough, or there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before returning to the house.