Until This Afternoon, There Were 9 Aftershocks In West Nias

Head of BMKG Dwikorita Karnawati (Screenshot/ ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Bureau of Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) recorded 9 aftershocks of the earthquake that occurred in West Nias Regency until this afternoon.

Initially, the first earthquake occurred with a magnitude parameter of 6.7 at 13.33 WIB. Initial parameters of the quake said the depth center was at 19 km.

"There have been 9 aftershocks with a magnitude range of 3.3 to 5.3 after the incident until 16.20 WIB," bmkg head Dwikorita Karnawati said in a virtual press conference, Friday, May 14.

Dwikorita also warned that there is still the potential for aftershocks to occur in the area. Therefore, Dwikorita asked people in the affected area to avoid buildings that have been cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

"We also encourage you to check immediately and make sure the building you live in is strong enough or resistant to earthquakes," he said.

In addition, the community is also asked to ensure that there is no damage from earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before returning to their homes.

Then, the community is encouraged to remain calm, unaffected by issues that cannot be accounted for.

"As aftershocks are expected to continue, we urge them to remain calm and not be affected by irresponsible issues," Dwikorita said.

For information, BMKG reported an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 which was later upgraded to magnitude 6.7 off the west coast of West Nias Regency, North Sumatra. This earthquake is not a potential tsunami.

The type and mechanism of the earthquake is a shallow earthquake located in the outer-rise zone, taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter.

At that time, local residents felt a strong shock when the earthquake occurred. Residents panicked as they exited their homes to secure themselves. Residents felt a strong shock for 4 to 5 seconds. To date, there have been no reports of damage or casualties.

The epicenter was located at coordinates 0.2 north latitude (LU) and 96.69 east longitude (BT), or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 125 kilometers southwest of Lahomi City, West Nias Regency, North Sumatra at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The earthquake shock was felt in Gunung Sitoli, Nias III-IV MMI Regency (if during the day it is felt by the crowds in the house); Banda Aceh III MMI (vibration felt real in the house, felt as if the truck passed); Aek Godang, Central Aceh II MMI (vibration felt by some people, light objects hung swaying).