Crowded With Discussing The Potential Of A Big Earthquake In Bali, BMKG Asks Residents Not To Panic

Illustration / BMKG

DENPASAR - The potential for an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.7 in southern Bali is being discussed. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) asked the public not to panic.

Head of the Class II Denpasar Geophysical Station, Ikhsan explained the potential for a large earthquake that was being discussed came from the 2017 national earthquake study center book

"Bali does have the potential for earthquakes as mentioned in the news, but all are based on studies from a scientific point of view. What must be understood is that potential is not a prediction, so when the earthquake mentioned in the news will not be known, because until now there is no single technology that can predict an earthquake when, where and how much strength, "said Ikhsan, Thursday, October 15th.

According to him, the study of the potential for an earthquake was not intended to disturb the public. Studies are needed to strengthen disaster mitigation, including increasing the role of related institutions such as local governments and increasing community preparedness in disaster mitigation.

"Again, potential is not a prediction. In the terminology of seismology / earthquakes, the prediction is certain when it occurs, at what time, how much strength, how deep is it. If so, then it is still difficult and there is no single technology that can ensure that, "said Ikhsan.

Therefore, the Balinese are asked to remain calm, not panic about receiving incomplete information.

"Don't be easily swallowed up by rumors or hoaxes that have not been confirmed. Always update information through official information channels owned by BMKG, "said Ikhsan.

There is no definite time for earthquake prediction tool

Previously, the Head of BMKG's Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Rahmat Triyono, explained the terms megathrust earthquake and the potential for a tsunami. This topic is in the spotlight related to the research results of experts from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) some time ago.

"We appreciate the research results. Researchers educate about threats to society. The threat occurs or not, no one can predict exactly when it will occur. However, the potential is true, "said Rahmat Triyono in his statement, Sunday, September 27.

The potential for an earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 9.1 which could trigger a tsunami of up to 20 meters, modeled by ITB experts according to Rahmat, is the worst case scenario of a megathrust earthquake zone.

“The worst case scenario is the best scenario for mitigation efforts. Do not let the mitigation prepared based on the scenario with the least potential threat. In fact, we will not even be ready if the worst case scenario actually happens, ”he said.

The potential for earthquakes that could trigger a tsunami from the megathrust zone, according to Rahmat, is not only in southern Java but throughout the megathrust zone from west Sumatra to southern Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara. This zone also exists in the Banda Subduction, Maluku Sea Plate Subduction, Sulawesi Subduction, Philippine Ocean Plate Subduction and Papua North Subduction.