PVMBG Geological Analysis Of Earthquakes Damaged In Southwest Of Probolinggo

The earthquake that occurred in Probolinggo. BETWEEN/HO-PVMBG

JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources analyzes the geology of the earthquake that caused damage to a number of houses southwest of Probolinggo Regency, East Java.

"We received a report on the results of the analysis of geological conditions and the cause of the earthquake from PVMBG related to the earthquake which caused dozens of houses to be damaged in Probolinggo Regency," said Head of the Probolinggo Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) R Oemar Sjarief in a written statement received in Probolinggo, Sunday.

In the analysis conducted by PVMBG, he said, the location of the epicenter of the earthquake was on land, with the morphology of the nearest area dominated by hills and corrugated plains. The litology of the area's constituent consists of volcanic and non-tectonic quartet rocks.

Rocks that have experienced weathering and/or surface sediment have the potential to strengthen earthquake shocks. The closest area to the epicenter of the earthquake is classified into soil class D (moderate land) and C (solid ground/soft rock).

"Based on the location and depth, the earthquake is estimated to be associated with active fault activity near the epicenter," he said.

Earthquake shocks have caused damage to houses in Tiris District. Earthquake shocks were felt with an MMI-scale II-III intensity (Modified Mercalli Intensity) in Probolinggo Regency. The affected areas are located in areas prone to intermediate earthquakes, but the earthquake did not cause a tsunami.

Based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), three earthquakes occurred on July 18, 2025, namely at 19.19 WIB, 20.03 WIB, and 20.47 WIB at a distance of 19 km southwest of Probolinggo.

The location of the earthquake centers is located at coordinates 8.02 LS-113.36 East Longitude with a magnitude of 3.3 and a depth of 7 km, then coordinates 7.86 LS-113.01 East Longitude with a magnitude of 2.6 and a depth of 3 km, as well as at a point of 8.01 LS-113.37 East Longitude with a magnitude of 2.4 and a depth of 7 km.

"Previously there was also an earthquake with a magnitude of 1.9 at 04.55 WIB with the location of the earthquake center adjacent," he said.

He explained that PVMBG provided a number of recommendations, namely that the public was advised to remain calm, follow directions and information from local BPBD officers, and remain vigilant about aftershocks.

"Don't be provoked by irresponsible issues regarding earthquakes and tsunamis. People are expected to carry out independent examinations related to building conditions after an earthquake occurred," he said.

In addition, he appealed to the public to observe and obey evacuation signs, stay away from cliff areas that have the potential for soil movement, especially when it rains.

"Buildings in earthquake-prone areas are expected to follow the rules of earthquake-resistant buildings, in order to avoid the risk of damage, and are equipped with evacuation routes," he said.

Oemar said the results of the data collection carried out by BPBD stated that the number of houses damaged by the earthquake was 34 units spread across four villages in Tiris District, namely Ranu Gedang, Ranu Agung, Segaran, and Tiris.