Malang Earthquake, Subduction Of Indo-Australian Plate Triggers M 5.2 Earthquake In The Indian Ocean

Map of the epicenter with a magnitude of 5.2 that rocked the Indian Ocean south of Malang, East Java, Saturday (2/12/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BMKG)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that the subduction activity of the Indo-Australian plate triggered a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 in the Indian Ocean south of Malang, East Java.

"The earthquake that occurred was a type of shallow earthquake due to the subduction activity of the Indo-Australian plate," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, as reported by ANTARA, Saturday, December 2.

He said the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 10.05 south latitude and 112.47 east longitude, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 215 km southwest of Malang Regency, East Java, at a depth of 47 km.

The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has a mechanism for the movement of a combination of upward movement (thrust).

He said the earthquake that occurred at 12.37.31 WIB had an impact and was felt in the Malang and Lumajang areas with an intensity scale of II MMI (modified mercy intensity), meaning that vibrations were felt by several people, light objects that were hung swayed.

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

Daryono said that until 13.00 WIB, BMKG monitoring results had not shown any aftershock activity.

BMKG 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.