M 5.6 Earthquake Occurred In North Nias This Morning, Residents' Activities Gradually Normalized

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Residents of North Nias Regency felt a weak tremor when an earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 5.6 occurred on Saturday, July 10 at around 09.41 WIB.

"The Nias Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reports that its residents have resumed their normal activities after the earthquake occurred," said BNPB's electronic message received by VOI.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the M5.9 earthquake parameter was 75 km northwest of North Nias, North Sumatra Province with a depth of 10 km.

Based on the BMKG modeling, this sea-centered earthquake does not have the potential for a tsunami. In addition, the BMKG also identified shocks felt in the Gunung Sitoli and Kabanjahe areas, namely II MMI, and the III-IV MMI North Nias area.

Modified Mercalli Intensity or MMI is a unit for measuring the strength of an earthquake. BMKG describes IV MMI shocks were felt by many people in the house, outside by several people, broken pottery, windows/doors creaked and walls rattled.

while III MMI describes the vibration felt real in the house and the vibration felt as if a truck was passing. While the MMI II scale describes vibrations felt by some people, light objects that are hung sway.

Based on the InaRISK risk analysis study, the North Nias Regency area has a moderate to high earthquake risk with a risk area of 97,492 hectares or as many as 11 sub-districts exposed.

Until this news was released there have been no reports of losses or victims due to the earthquake, but local BPBD officers continue to monitor and be ready in case of aftershocks.

BNPB also appealed to the public to remain alert to the potential for aftershocks. To reduce the impact of earthquakes, avoid buildings that are prone to shocks.

Most of the victims who fell were caused by the rubble of collapsed buildings because they were unable to withstand the shock of the earthquake.