TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) Hendra Gunawan on Monday revealed the two main factors that caused the massive destructive power of the magnitude 5.6 earthquake at Cianjur, West Java. He noted the quake’s shallow nature, lack of consolidated rocks that form Cianjur’s geology, and structures that lack earthquake resistance.

“There could possibly be a number of buildings that have not met the standard for earthquake resistance. This is what must be improved in the future. In this case, [there will be] technical recommendations for buildings,” said Gunawan on Tuesday, November 22.

According to him, a team from the Geological Agency will conduct a field survey to map the areas damaged by the Cianjur earthquake. "This team will systematically localize, and map the areas of severe to light damage. It will be valuable information to examine the mechanism of the earthquake source," he said.

According to initial observation, the epicenter of the quake took place in the vicinity of Mount Gede located between Cianjur City and Sukabumi. This exact location, he explained, is not far from an active fault.

The results of the earthquake that hit Cianjur, he added, will be used to form future technical recommendations to the local government. He also mentioned future buildings must be adapted to peak ground acceleration value and the safety factor of the slope in the area.

AHMAD FIKRI

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