The 5.5 Magnitude Earthquake That Shakes Banggai, Central Sulawesi, Has No Tsunami Potential Even Though It Is Centered In The Sea

Capture the screen, the earthquake map released by BMKG that occurred in the northeast of Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi

PALU - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred in Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi Province with no potential for a tsunami even though it was centered at sea. The earthquake occurred Tuesday, March 28 at around 12:19 WITA. "The epicenter was in the sea 30 kilometers northeast of Banggai or in Tomini Bay a depth of 65 kilometers," said the Head of BMKG at the Palu Geophysics Station in a written statement received in Palu, quoted from Antara. The epicenter of the earthquake is located at coordinates 0.43 ° LS; 123.57° BT, or precisely located in the sea at a distance of 30 km northeast, and the earthquake that occurred was a medium type of earthquake due to rock deformation in the Sangihe Plate below Tomini Bay. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that the earthquake has an oblique thrust mechanism. The impact of the earthquake was felt in Luwuk City, Banggai with an intensity scale of IV MMI (If during the day it was felt by many people in the house), then the Gorontalo Regency area, Gorontalo Province with an intensity scale II-III MMI (Develop felt real in the house). "Until 12.35 WITA, the results of BMKG monitoring have not shown any aftershock activity," he said. BMKG also appealed to the public to remain calm and not panic, and not be influenced by issues that cannot be justified. "The panic only makes the situation not conducive and endangers itself," he said. He asked residents, they should avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake, then check and make sure the residential buildings are resistant to earthquake shocks, or there is no damage caused by earthquake vibrations that endanger the stability of the building before returning to the house. Official information regarding the current situation of the earthquake only came from the BMKG or the government which was distributed through the verified official communication channel (Instagram/Twitter @infoBMKG). In addition to social media, the public can also view through the official website www.bmkg.go.id or inanews.bmkg.go.id, telegram channel https://t.me/InateWS_BMKG or via Mobile Apps (IOS and Android): wrs-bmkg or infobmkg," he said.