BMKG Says There Is Potential For Aftershocks In West Sumatra Up To A Magnitude Of 7.6

JAKARTA - Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, said that the Angkola segment of the Sumatran fault is capable of releasing energy and generating earthquakes of up to 7.6 magnitudes (M).

"We note that this segment, is capable of releasing energy and generating earthquakes of up to a magnitude of 7.6", Dwikorita said at a press conference followed online in Jakarta, Friday, February 25.

Dwikorita said that from the earthquake in West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra, with a magnitude (M) of 6.1 on Friday morning, her party assessed that the energy had not been completely released. Because the highest energy that can be released is an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.6.

It is known that the earthquake that occurred was a shallow earthquake due to the activity of the Sumatran Fault. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has a strike-slip mechanism.

"This means that we still have to be vigilant with appropriate mitigation methods, especially the arrangement of earthquake-resistant buildings", said Dwikorita.

She explained that the earthquake that occurred in West Pasaman was a type of earthquake that started with an opening earthquake or foreshock, then the main earthquake occurred. Then followed by a series of aftershocks.

Dwikorita appealed to the public to avoid buildings that were cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

"Based on experience, many victims were not caused by the spill, but as a result of the aftermath of the earthquake where many buildings were damaged", she said.

Especially also, he said, avoiding cliffs or slopes, because aftershocks have the potential or can cause rock collapse which causes landslides. In addition, the public is asked to check and ensure that the residential buildings are earthquake-resistant.