There Were 2,202 Earthquakes In Yogyakarta Throughout 2023

Illustration - An earthquake recorded by a seismometer. BETWEEN/Shutterstock/aa.

YOGYAKARTA - Throughout 2023, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 2,202 earthquakes that hit the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

"This phenomenon is caused by activities in the subduction zone of the Indo-Australian Plate and around the Opak Fault system," said Head of the Class I Geophysics Station of Sleman Setyoajie Prayoedhie in a statement in Yogyakarta, reported by ANTARA, Monday, January 1.

Setyoajie explained that the peak frequency of earthquakes in DIY occurred in December 2023 with 273 earthquakes, while the lowest number occurred in May with 105 earthquakes.

According to him, one of the earthquake events that occurred on June 30, 2023 with a magnitude of 6.4.

The earthquake, which was centered at sea, 83 kilometers southwest of Bantul Regency, was recorded to have caused damage.

However, Setyoajie said that earthquakes throughout 2023 in DIY were still dominated by small shallow earthquakes which reached 1,982 times in line with the increase in the BMKG seismograph network meeting.

"People should be calm and alert, and stay away from issues that are not yet clear," he said.

BMKG Yogyakarta, he said, would intensify the promotion to strengthen earthquake mitigation in all levels of society.

"BMKG is determined to present meteorological, climatological, and geophysical information quickly, precisely, accurately, and easily understood. This step is a precaution to reduce the adverse impact of earthquakes in this region," said Setyoajie.

BMKG has held literacy activities by organizing the Geophysics Lapang School and BMKG Goes to School throughout 2023, involving 10,248 participants from various circles as a commitment to providing a wider understanding.

This activity is part of the Tsunami Ready Community, as a BMKG effort in providing education to the public, including simulations of practice.

"Hopefully, the community will be prepared to face potential natural disasters that can occur due to earthquake activity," he concluded.