BMKG: Earthquake M5.3 Kaimana Triggered By Tarera-Aiduna Fault Activities

Screenshot - Map of the M5.3 earthquake center in the southwest region of Kaimana, West Papua, Thursday (12/10/2023). (ANTARA/HO-BMKG)

JAKARTA - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said that a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 in the southwest region of Kaimana, West Papua, was triggered by Tarera-Aiduna fault activity.

Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, said the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 4.44 South Latitude (LS) and 133.92 East Longitude (BT), or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 128 km southwest of Kaimana, West Papua, at a depth of 29 km.

"By paying attention to the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow type of earthquake due to Tarera-Aiduna fault activity," he explained as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, October 12.

The earthquake that occurred on Thursday, at 13.18.43 WIB, had a sliding mechanism (strike-slip).

"The modeling results show that this earthquake has no potential for a tsunami," he said.

Based on the estimation of the shock map (shakemap), he said, this earthquake caused shocks in the Buruway, Kaimana, and Etna Bay areas, with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI (modified mercy intensity), meaning that during the day it is felt by many people in the house.

"Until now, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake," he said.

As of 13.40 WIB, BMKG monitoring results have not shown any aftershock activity.

Daryono appealed to the public to avoid buildings that were cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

"Check and make sure the building where you live 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.

In addition, BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified.