345 Earthquakes Occur in Bengkulu Throughout 2022, BMKG Reveals the Potential of an 8.9 M earthquake

Illustration of an earthquake. (Antara)

BENGKULU - The Bengkulu Province Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 345 earthquakes in the Bengkulu region during the period January to September 2022.

Head of Data and Information of the BMKG Climatology Station on Baai Island Bengkulu, Anang Anwar, said that of the 345 earthquakes that occurred, 16 earthquakes were felt by the community.

"During the period from January to September 2022, we recorded 345 earthquakes in Bengkulu Province," said Anang in Bengkulu City, quoted from Antara, Monday, September 26.

The earthquake occurred in Bengkulu in 2022 with the largest magnitude of about 6.5 magnitude while the smallest of around 2.0 magnitude.

He explained that the earthquake that can be felt by the community depends on the distance, depth, and location of the earthquake.

Although the strength of the earthquake was around 3.0 magnitude, the location of the earthquake was close and shallow and the occurrence was on land so it could be felt by the public.

With the occurrence of earthquakes with small strengths, the release of energy in the earth's plate will occur continuously, thereby reducing the occurrence of large earthquakes in Bengkulu.

Anang hopes that all people in Bengkulu Province will not panic when an earthquake occurs, but remain vigilant.

And always seek information related to earthquakes from the right sources such as BMKG, Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and media whose credibility has been confirmed.

"Bengkulu Province has the potential for an earthquake with a maximum strength of 8.9 magnitudes which can trigger a tsunami with a wave height of up to 15 meters," he said.

According to him, the potential for an earthquake will occur when the earth plate in the waters of Mukomuko Regency close to the waters of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, breaks.