BMKG Calls Aftershock Issues Larger Than M 5.0 In Bandung Hoaks Regency

The post-earthquake situation in Cibereum Village, Paperari District, Bandung Regency, Wednesday (18/9/2024). (ANTARA/Hilda-Ricky)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that the issue of a larger aftershock in Bandung Regency with a span of two hours since the 5.0 magnitude shock (M) was a lie or a hoax.

The reason, said the Head of the BMKG Bandung Geophysics Station, Teguh Rahayu, is that until now the earthquake cannot be predicted when it will occur.

"(So this is) a hoax," said Teguh in his short message Wednesday, September 18, which was confiscated by Antara.

Regarding the circulation of issues in the form of chain messages that there will be a bigger earthquake in two hours since the 5.0 M earthquake at 09.41 WIB to make residents uneasy, BMKG urges residents to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified.

"Make sure official information only comes from BMKG which is distributed through verified official communication channels," said Teguh.

In addition, the public is also advised to avoid buildings that are 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.

Previously, an earthquake measuring 5.0 magnitude that occurred at 09.41 WIB in the Bandung Regency area, based on the results of BMKG analysis, indicated that this earthquake had updated parameters with an M4.9 magnitude.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 7.23 degrees South Latitude (LS); 107.65 degrees East Longitude (BT), or precisely located on land 25 km southeast of Bandung Regency at a depth of 10 km.

Based on the West Java BPBD report, earthquake tremors were felt from Bandung Regency, Bandung City, Cimahi City, West Bandung Regency, to Garut Regency.

The earthquake, which felt only for a few seconds, made residents in the Greater Bandung area panic.

"The earthquake was felt strong for 3-5 seconds. People panicked and had time to leave the house. We urge you to calm down and find a safe place," he said.

The location of the earthquake occurred in Tarumajaya Village, Cihawuk, Cibereum, Kertasari District, Bandung Regency.

From temporary data, this earthquake resulted in damage to a unit of health facilities in Cihawuk Village, a unit of health facilities in Cibereum Village, the Police Office in Cibereum Village and a KUA office in Cibereum Village.