M 5.1 Tectonic Earthquake Shakes Central Sumba NTT

Earthquake illustration (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 5.1 rocked the Central Sumba region, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Wednesday, September 24 at 02.54 WIB.

"The epicenter of the earthquake is located at coordinates 9.52 degrees south latitude and 119.61 degrees east longitude, or precisely on land 11 km northeast of Waibakul, NTT, with a depth of 34 km. Based on the latest parameters, the magnitude of the earthquake was recorded at M 4.8," said BMKG Director of Earthquake and Tsunami Daryono in his statement, Wednesday afternoon.

According to Daryono, this earthquake was a type of shallow earthquake due to active fault activity. "The analysis of the source mechanism shows the upward thrust movement," he said.

Earthquake shocks were felt in Waibakul and Waikabubak with intensity III'IV MMI, in Waingapu and Tambolaka with intensity III MMI, as well as in Bima and Sumbawa cities with intensity II MMI. Modeling results show this earthquake has no tsunami potential," said Daryono.

He added, until 03.40 WIB, the results of BMKG monitoring recorded one aftershock. BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm, not to be influenced by irresponsible issues, and to check the condition of the building before returning to their homes.