No One Can Predict The Arrival Of An Earthquake, So Don't Believe It If Someone Spreads Information

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - Head of BMKG Kupang Geophysics Station, Margiono, appealed to residents in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) not to easily believe information containing earthquake predictions.

"Until now there is no tool that can accurately predict the occurrence of earthquakes when, where, and how strong it is. BMKG has never issued information on earthquake predictions," he said in a statement received in Kupang, Wednesday.

He said the appeal was in response to public unrest in NTT regarding information on potential earthquakes that could cause tsunamis with a height of more than 3 meters.

Margiono explained that NTT is an archipelagic area surrounded by faults (sars) ranging from west and south (Zona Megathrust), North (Flores Back Arc Thrust) and several other local faults that are still active.

Thus NTT has the potential for the dangers of destructive earthquakes and tsunamis. This is supported by the history of events where the NTT area was hit by 12 tsunami events since 1891-2022.

He explained based on the study and analysis of the modeling of tsunami simulations with the worst potential scenario carried out by experts, that NTT has the potential for an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.5 in the South Sumba region and a magnitude of 7.4 in the north of Flores.

"But this is potential and not prediction. So when it happened no one knows," he said.

Margiono appealed to the people of NTT not to panic and remain vigilant by making structural and non-structural mitigation efforts by building earthquake-resistant buildings, carrying out evacuation route spatial planning.

In addition, it provides itself and educates the people around them on how to save themselves against the occurrence of earthquakes and tsunamis.

"The public is expected to remain calm and not easily provoked by the issue of earthquake predictions that are circulating. If you want to know more clearly, you can contact us at whatsapp number 0811832687," he said.