BMKG: 5.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Banda Sea Region Triggered Subduction Activities

Screenshot - Map of the M5.0 earthquake center in the Banda Sea area, Central Maluku, Monday (2/10/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BMKG)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 rocked the Banda Sea area, Central Maluku, triggered by subduction activity of the Banda Sea. Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, said the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 6.86 south latitude and 130.10 east longitude, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 175 km northwest of Tanimbar at a depth of 84 km. "By taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a medium earthquake due to the subduction activity of the Banda Sea," he explained in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Monday, October 2. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has an oblique thrust mechanism. "Modeling results show that this earthquake has no potential for a tsunami," he said. Daryono explained that based on the estimation of the shock map (shakemap), this earthquake caused shocks in the Amahai area, Dawelor Dawera, Babar Island with an intensity scale of III MMI (modified mercy intensity), meaning that vibrations felt real in the house, felt vibration as if a truck was passing. "Until now, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake," he said. He added that until 13.49 WIB, the results of BMKG monitoring had not shown any aftershock activity. He appealed to the public to avoid buildings that were cracked or damaged by the earthquake. "Check and make sure the building where you live is earthquake-resistant enough, or there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before you return to the house," he said.

In addition, he also appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified.