Bengkulu Has Experienced 53 Earthquakes Since January 1, 2023

Illustration - Damage to an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale that hit Bengkulu Province in 2007. (Between)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) noted that the Bengkulu Province had faced 53 earthquakes from January 1 to 15, 2023.

According to the Head of BMKG Kepahiang Geophysics Station, Anton Sugiharto, as quoted by Antara in Bengkulu City, Sunday, the magnitude of the earthquake that occurred since early January 2023 was at most 5.3 and 1.6.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 was recorded on January 14, 2023. The earthquake was centered about 55 km southwest of Kaur Regency.

According to Anton, the earthquake was the only earthquake that occurred in the period January 1 to 15, 2023, where the tremors could be felt by the community.

Meanwhile, during 2022, the Bengkulu Province area was recorded to face a total of 912 earthquakes with the largest magnitudes of 6.8 and the smallest 2.3. During that period there were 58 earthquakes whose vibrations could be felt by the community.

Previously, the Head of the Data and Information Section of the BMKG Climatology Station of Baai Bengkulu Island, Anang Anwar, said that earthquakes with small strengths that often occur cause energy release on the earth plate to reduce the chance of a large earthquake.