M5.5 Earthquake In Boalemo Gorontalo Triggered By North Sulawesi Subduction

Screenshot - Map of the M5.5 earthquake center in the South Coast of Tilamuta City, Gorontalo, Monday (9/10/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BMKG).

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that the 5.5 magnitude earthquake in the southwest region of Boalemo, Gorontalo was triggered by subduction activity in North Sulawesi.

"The earthquake that occurred was a type of medium earthquake due to the activities of North Sulawesi Subduction," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, October 9.

The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has a thrust fault mechanism.

"The modeling results show that this earthquake has no potential for a tsunami," he said.

Daryono also updated information which initially had a magnitude of 5.6 to a magnitude of 5.5.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 0.36 north latitude and 122.23 east longitude, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 22 km southwest of Boalemo, Gorontalo at a depth of 89 km.

The earthquake that occurred on Monday (9/10), at 10.50.50 WIB, had an impact and was felt in the areas of Gorontalo, North Gorontalo Regency, Pohuwatu, Bone Bolango, North Bolaang Mongondow, Buol, Toli-toli, and Boalemo III MMI with an intensity scale of III MMI (modified mercy intensity).

As of 11.10 WIB, the results of BMKG monitoring have not shown any aftershock activity.

Daryono appealed to the public to avoid cracked or damaged buildings caused 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.

BMKG also appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified.