JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that rock deformation activity in the Maluku Sea Plate had triggered a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 that shook the Manado City area - its surroundings on Friday, May 22.
BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Director Wijayanto said the event occurred at 08.05.09 WIB and the results of mathematical modeling showed that this earthquake had no potential to cause a tsunami.
"The epicenter of the earthquake is located at coordinates 1.17° N and 126.14° E, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 117 kilometers southeast of Bitung City, North Sulawesi, with a depth of 38 kilometers," said Wijayato as quoted by Antara Friday morning.
Wijayanto explained, by considering the epicenter location and hypocenter depth, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow earthquake. The results of the source mechanism analysis showed that the earthquake fault structure has an oblique thrust movement mechanism.
Based on the report of the level of shaking, the impact of this earthquake was felt in the Batang Dua Island area with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI, where during the day the vibration was felt by many people inside the house.
The tremors also spread to the Sofifi, West Halmahera, Tidore, and Manado City areas with an intensity scale of II-III MMI, in the form of vibrations that are felt inside the house as if there was a large truck passing by.
At least at 08.20 WIB, the results of monitoring carried out by the BMKG system have not shown any signs of aftershock activity.
However, BMKG still appeals to the public in the surrounding area to remain calm and avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged due to tremors, and not be affected by issues that cannot be verified.
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