After Earthquake M 6.2 And Susulan M 5.3 In The Mentawai Islands, Residents In Seven Hamlets Decree To The Hills

Photo: Doc. Antara/BNPB

MENTAVAI - An earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude (M) occurred in the Mentawai Islands Regency, West Sumatra, Sunday 11 September at 06.10 WIB, causing residents to evacuate.

In a written statement, it is explained that the earthquake shocked residents' panic and rushed out of their homes.

Several residents in the Mentawai Islands Regency have now evacuated independently to refugee camps.

Meanwhile, according to a report by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Mentawai Islands Regency and BPBD of West Sumatra Province, the earthquake was felt strong for approximately 5 seconds in Tuapejat and 10 seconds in Padang City.

According to the Head of BPBD of Mentawai Islands Regency Novriadi, residents in seven hamlets in Simalegi Village and residents in three hamlets in Simatulu Village, West Siberut District again fled to higher hills. This was done the same as after the M 6.4 earthquake occurred on Monday, August 29.

"The conditions and number of displaced residents are the same as the incident in the M 6.4 earthquake on August 28, 2022 yesterday," said Novriadi, quoted by Antara.

Novriadi also reported that there were approximately 200 residents of Sikabaluan Village in North Siberut District who also fled to a higher and safer location.

"Less than 200 residents of Sikabaluan Village, North Siberut District have also evacuated," Novriadi added.

Furthermore, related to the victim and the damage, Novriadi said there was a resident of Betaet Village who suffered injuries to his head after being hit by a piece of wood at his house. Luckily, he immediately received help from the local health center.

A Betaet resident was injured in the head when he was about to run out of the house. They have been handled by the local health center," explained Novriadi.

In addition to the injured victims, Novriadi also detailed the minor damage to the Sagulubbek State Junior High School building and Betaet Health Center in Southwest Cyberut District. The damage was in the form of cracked walls and peeled ceramic walls.

"The damage to the walls of the Sagulubbek State Junior High School building and the wall ceramics of the Betaet Health Center were peeled off," said Novriadi.

BPBD West Sumatra Province and BPBD Mentawai Islands Regency continue to coordinate with related parties for further assessment and monitor the impacts caused after the earthquake occurred.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) appealed to the public, especially in the West Sumatra and surrounding areas not to panic, but to increase preparedness and vigilance against potential aftershocks.

An early warning of an earthquake can be obtained by utilizing items that are easily found at home such as arranging cans in stages. It aims to be an 'airm' in the event of an earthquake.

In addition, make sure the evacuation route outside the house is not blocked by large objects such as cabinets, tables, refrigerators and so on.

Especially for people who live in coastal areas, if an earthquake occurs that lasts more than 30 seconds, it is hoped that they will immediately go to higher ground to avoid the possibility of a tsunami.

If you find a house damaged by a structure characterized by a broken condition of a support pole, massive damage to the walls and damage to the buffer or roof maker, it is advised that the owner of the house immediately report it to the local BPBD.

Data recording results by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the epicenter of the earthquake. it was at 1.18 South Latitude and 98.53 East Longitude at a depth of 10 kilometers (km).

14 minutes later or to be precise at 06.24 WIB there was an aftershock with a magnitude of M 5.4 centered at 1.25 South Latitude and 98.49 East Longitude at a depth of 11 km. The BMKG stated that the earthquake did not have the potential for a tsunami.