BMKG: Earthquake Magnitude 5.9 Shakes Southwest Maluku No Tsunami Potential

Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) officers from the Ambon Class I Geophysics station monitored earthquake activity. ANTARA

MALUKU - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 rocked the North Coast of Babar Island, Southwest Maluku, Wednesday at 16.34.04 WIB with no potential for a tsunami.

"The results of the BMKG analysis show that this earthquake has parameter updates with a magnitude of M5.7, no potential for a tsunami", said the Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, in a written statement in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, February 22.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located at coordinates 7.18° south latitude, 129.62° east longitude or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 30 km to the north of Babar Island, Southwest Maluku, Maluku at a depth of 134 km.

The earthquake that occurred was a medium-sized earthquake due to the subduction activity of the Banda Sea.

The results of the analysis of the source mechanism indicate that the earthquake has an oblique thrust mechanism.

Daryono said, the earthquake had an impact and was felt in Tepa with an intensity of III MMI, the vibration was felt in the house, and the vibration felt as if a truck was passing, in Saumlaki with an intensity scale of II-III MMI.

"Until now there has been no report on the impact of the damage caused by the earthquake, the modelling results show that this earthquake has no potential for a tsunami", he said.

As of 17.00 WIB, the BMKG monitoring results had not shown any aftershock activity.

The public is urged to remain calm and not be influenced by issues whose truth cannot be accounted for.

People should avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by earthquakes. Check and make sure the building where you live is sufficiently earthquake resistant, or that there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that could endanger the stability of the building before you return to your house.

Ensure that official information only originates from BMKG and disseminates through verified official communication channels.