M 5.1 Earthquake In North Sulawesi Due To Deformation Of The Maluku Sea Plate

Photo Illustration: Antara

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) declared an earthquake with a magnitude update parameter (M) of 5.1 in East Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi, which occurred on Sunday, August 21 afternoon, due to deformation of the Maluku Sea plate.

The epicenter of the earthquake is located at coordinates 0.23° South Latitude; 125.23° East Longitude, or to be precise, located in the sea at a distance of 129 Km to the southeast of Tutuyan City, East Bolaang Mongondow, North Sulawesi at a depth of 10 km.

"By taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow type of earthquake due to deformation or fault in the Maluku Sea plate. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism indicate that the earthquake has a thrust fault mechanism," said the Acting Head of the Earthquake Center. Earth and Tsunami BMKG Daryono in a written statement received in Jakarta.

He said that based on the estimated shakemap, this earthquake caused tremors in the Bolaang Mongondow, Kotamobagu and Banggai areas with an intensity scale of II MMI (vibration 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 this earthquake has no tsunami potential

"As of 12.30 WIB, the results of BMKG monitoring have not shown any aftershock activity," he said.

BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be accounted for in order to avoid cracked or damaged buildings caused by the earthquake.

In addition, 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 returning to the house.

Then, ensure that official information only comes from the BMKG which is disseminated through verified official communication channels.