An Earthquake Measuring 5.1 Magnitude Shakes Southwest Sumba

Illustration - Seismograph, a device for recording earthquake vibrations (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 on Friday, January 1 rocked the northwestern region of Southwest Sumba Regency on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.

"The earthquake occurred at 06.12 WIB with the epicenter of the earthquake at 9.23 south latitude (LS), 119.02 east longitude (BT) or 25 kilometers northwest of Tambolaka, the capital city of Southwest Sumba Regency with a depth of 63 km," said the Head of BMKG Station. Waingapu East Sumba Arief Tyastama reported by Antara.

Regarding the impact, Arief said the earthquake was also felt in the Bima region, West Nusa Tenggara Province (NTB).

He appealed to the public to remain calm and not be affected by issues that cannot be justified with regard to the impact of the earthquake.

People are also asked to avoid if they find buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

In addition, they are advised to check and ensure that the residential buildings are sufficiently resistant to earthquakes or that there is no damage caused by earthquake vibrations which endanger the stability of the building before returning to the house.