Earthquake With A Magnitude Of 5.3 Shook Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi, BPBD Said No Damage On Buildings

Screencapture of the earthquake map that occurred in Taopa area, Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi on Tuesday (14/2/2023). ANTARA/HO-BMKG

PARIGI MOUTONG - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Parigi Moutong Regency, Central Sulawesi said that there was no damage due to the 5.3 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the area on Tuesday, February 14.

"The results of the field assessment found no signs of damage to residents' houses or other public facilities," said Head of Emergency and Logistics BPBD Parigi Moutong Amirudin when contacted from Palu, Antara, Wednesday, February 15.

He stated that the epicenter of the earthquake occurred in Taopa Village, Taopa District, last Tuesday at around 13.02 WIB. "After the incident, we conducted a field survey to ascertain the impact of the damage caused by the shaking. After checking, everything is safe," he said.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and not be provoked by information that cannot be justified. Information like that only creates uproar in the community, moreover, the information is adapted from unclear sources.

"The public must be wise in receiving information, because wild information can panic people," he said.

Meteorology and Geophysics BMKG Observer Palu Ratna said the earthquake in Taopa, Parigi Moutong was triggered by the activity of the Sulawesi plate and had an upward oblique movement mechanism.

The epicenter was on land 30 kilometers southeast of Parigi Moutong or at coordinates 0.46° LU; 121.05° East Longitude with a depth of 93 kilometers or is included in the medium earthquake category.

"The initial shock had a magnitude of 5.3 and after updating, the epicenter of the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1," he said.

He explained that the earthquake was felt in Tolitoli Regency with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI or the vibration was felt in the house. The vibration was felt as if a truck was passing, vibration was also felt in Pohuwato and North Gorontalo Regencies, Gorontalo Province with an intensity scale of II-III MMI, or the vibration was felt by several people, light hanging objects swayed.