BPBD Calls No Tsunami Potential In Pangandaran Even Though It Was Hit By An Earthquake

The atmosphere of Pangandaran Beach in Pangandaran Regency, West Java, Tuesday (3/1/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Wisawan)

PANGANDARAN - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Pangandaran Regency, West Java, conveyed that the condition of the area, especially in coastal tourism areas, is in normal condition, the community and tourists are active as usual even though previously there was an earthquake that rocked the area. "Until this afternoon, there has been no significant impact, the earthquake also has no potential for a tsunami," said Head of BPBD Pangandaran Regency, Kustiman when contacted by reporters in Pangandaran, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, January 3. He said the earthquake that had rocked Pangandaran Regency was not too big, so it did not make many people panic excessively. In addition, he continued, there was no potential for a tsunami, and there was no reported damage to the infrastructure or residents' houses, for that the public was advised to remain calm and not be easily provoked by information with unclear sources. "We also ask the public not to be easily provoked by information that cannot be accounted for, ensure that information only comes from BMKG or BPBD," he said. He conveyed that after the earthquake, the condition of tourist attractions in Pangandaran Regency was considered safe for tourists to visit. "Directs are still safe to visit," he said. Head of the Water and Air Police Unit of the Pangandaran Police, AKP Sugianto, added that the sea wave conditions in Pangandaran were monitored normally, tourists also continued to carry out their activities as usual after being rocked by an earthquake. "After the earthquake, sea water conditions were normal, there were no sightings of receding water or showed signs of a tsunami," said Sugianto. During the earthquake, he said, the condition of tourists on Pangandaran Beach did not really feel the shock of the earthquake, especially those who were swimming on the beach did not show panic. "It doesn't let there be excessive panic," said Sugianto. A Pangandaran Beach tourist from Bandung, Uus admitted that he did not feel any earthquake shocks while on the beach. "Where is the earthquake, it's safe," said Uus. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported an earthquake measuring M 4.9 in the Pangandaran area at 06.55 WIB. Based on the results of BMKG analysis, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 8.14 South Latitude and 107.88 East Longitude, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 83 km southwest of Pangandaran Regency at a depth of 29 km.