The 5.4 Magnitude Earthquake In The Flores Sea Has A Shear Movement Mechanism

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded an earthquake with the latest parameter of magnitude (M) 5.4 in the Flores Sea on Saturday afternoon having a shear movement mechanism.

Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Bambang Setiyo Prayitno, in a written statement received in Jakarta, Saturday, explained that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 7.65° South Latitude; 122.43° East Longitude, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 94 KM northwest of Larantuka, East Nusa Tenggara, at a depth of 11 KM.

"By taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow type of earthquake due to active fault activity in the Flores Sea. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a strike-slip mechanism," said Bambang as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, July 23.

This earthquake had an impact and was felt in the Ende area, Maumere, with an intensity scale of II MMI-III (vibration felt by several people, light objects that were hung swaying), Larantuka, Lewoleba, Adonara, Mbay-Nagekeo areas, with an intensity scale of III MMI.

The modeling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential.

"As of 13.50 a.m. local time, the results of the BMKG monitoring showed that there were three aftershock activities with the largest magnitude 4.5," said Bambang.

The BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified. The public is also asked to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

"Check and make sure the residential building 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," he said.

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