5.2 M Earthquake In Bolaemo Due To Subduction Of The Sulawesi Sea Plate

Illustration (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The 5.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo, on Wednesday at 07.49 a.m. local time was a medium-sized earthquake, due to the subduction activity of the Sulawesi Sea Plate.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, the earthquake was the result of an update from the previous magnitude 5.4, with the earthquake's epicenter located at coordinates 1.25° North Latitude; 122.21° East Longitude, or precisely located at sea at a distance of 83 km north of Tilamuta City, Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo at a depth of 88 km.

"The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has an oblique thrust fault mechanism", said Head of the Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Earthquake and Tsunami Center Bambang Setiyo Prayitno in a statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, September 15.

The earthquake shocks were felt in the areas of Boalemo, North Gorontalo, and Buol, II-III MMI (Vibrations felt real in the house. The vibrations felt as if a truck was passing) Manado, Bone Bolango, Gorontalo City, and Toli-toli II MMI (Vibrations felt by several people, light objects that were hung swayed), Kabupaten Gorontalo I-II MMI (Vibrations were felt by some people, light objects that were hung swayed).

So far, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake. "The modeling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential", he said.

As of 08.15 a.m., the BMKG monitoring results have not shown any aftershock activity.

"The public is advised to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified. In order to avoid cracked or damaged buildings caused by the earthquake", said Bambang.

Check and make sure the building where you live is earthquake-resistant enough, or there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before you return to the house. Make sure official information only comes from BMKG which is distributed through verified official communication channels (Instagram/Twitter @infoBMKG), website (http://www.bmkg.go.id or inatews.bmkg.go.id), telegram channel ( https://t.me/InaTEWS_BMKG) or via Mobile Apps (IOS and Android): wrs-bmkg or infobmkg.