BMKG: Deformation Of Indo-Australian Plate Triggers M5.9 South West Java Earthquake

Areas affected by the Cianjur earthquake in Sarampad, Cianjur, West Java, Sunday 27 November 2022. (Between-Novrian A)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that occurred in southern West Java was triggered by rock deformation in the Indo-Australian Plate. "By paying attention to the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a medium-depth earthquake due to rock deformation in the Indo-Australian Plate which was subducted under the Eurasian Plate," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Daryono in Jakarta, Wednesday, January 3. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has a shear-up movement mechanism (obligque thrust). The earthquake, which occurred at 07.53 WIB, had updated parameters with an M5.7 magnitude. The epicenter of the earthquake was centered at coordinates 7.57 south latitude and 106.17 east longitude, precisely located at sea at a distance of 77 km southwest of Sukabumi, West Java, at a depth of 63 km. He explained that the earthquake had an impact and was felt in the Surade area, Sukabumi with an intensity scale of IV MMI (modified mercy), meaning that during the day it was felt by many people in the house. The earthquake was also felt in the Pelabuhan Ratu, Cianjur, Panggarangan, Lebak, Garut, with an intensity scale of III MMI (vibrational vibrations felt real in the house. Feels the vibration as if the truck is passing). Then, Lembang, West Bandung, Cimahi areas with an intensity scale of II-III MMI (The vibration felt real in the house. Feels the vibration as if the truck is passing), and South Tangerang with an intensity scale of II MMI (The vibration was 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. He 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.

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