Triggered By Fault Activity, 5.0 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Sumba

Illustration/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - A tectonic earthquake with a parameter change of magnitude (M) 5.0 on Friday, March 4 at 14.00 WIB in the Sumba area, East Nusa Tenggara, was triggered by active fault activity, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). In writing received in Jakarta, the earthquake was reported to have a magnitude of 5.3 with an epicenter located 6 km southwest of Wangiapu. Reportedly, the most recent epicenter was located at coordinates 9.32° South Latitude; 119.24° east longitude, or to be precise, located in the sea at a distance of 10 km northeast of Tambolaka, East Nusa Tenggara at a depth of 23 km. "By taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow earthquake due to active fault activity," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Bambang Setiyo Prayitno. He said the results of the analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a horizontal movement mechanism (strike-slip fault). The earthquake was felt in Labuan Bajo City with an intensity scale of III MMI. vibrations as if a truck were passing) and Tambolaka II MMI (vibration felt by several people, light objects that were hung swayed). "Until now, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake. Modeling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential. ," he said.

As of 14.25 WIB, the results of BMKG monitoring have not shown any aftershock activity. BMKG appeals to the public to remain calm and not be affected by issues that cannot be accounted for. In order to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake. Then check and make sure the residential building is earthquake-resistant enough, or that there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before you return to your house, said Bambang Setiyo Prayitno.