2 Earthquakes in a Row Occur in Balangan and Tabalong, South Kalimantan

The map shows the shallow earthquake point in the Balangan Regency area, South Kalimantan, Monday (20/4/2026). ANTARA/HO-BMKG

BANJARMASIN - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported two consecutive shallow earthquakes that shook the Balangan and Tabalong areas in South Kalimantan on Monday afternoon.

Quoted from the BMKG website, based on the results of monitoring the seismic parameters, the first event occurred at 12.24 Wita with a magnitude of 3.0, the epicenter of the earthquake was on land at coordinates 2.17 LS and 115.55 BT, about 18 kilometers northwest of Balangan Regency, with a depth of 2 kilometers.

Six minutes later, the second earthquake was recorded at 12.30 Wita with a magnitude of 2.8 located about 19 kilometers southwest of Tabalong Regency, at coordinates 2.01 LS and 115.47 BT with a depth of 3 kilometers.

BMKG identified the two earthquakes as shallow earthquakes because they had a depth of less than 5 kilometers. This condition makes the vibration easier to feel even though the magnitude is relatively small.

Reported by ANTARA, Monday, April 20, based on the analysis of the source mechanism, the earthquake activity was triggered by the movement of a fault or local fault in the area. This characteristic is common on land with a locally active geological structure.

Vibrations from shallow earthquakes are generally felt more real around the epicenter than deep earthquakes, although the energy released is not large. This is influenced by the distance of the earthquake source close to the surface.

Until this report was released, there was no information regarding building damage or casualties due to the two earthquake incidents in the affected areas.

BMKG appeals to the public in Balangan, Tabalong, and surrounding areas to remain calm and increase vigilance against the possibility of aftershocks, and to ensure that the information received comes from official sources.