TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Aftershocks continued to hit Jayapura, Papua earlier this afternoon, following a powerful earthquake that occurred in the early hours of Monday, January 2, 2023. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded 68 aftershocks as of 15:00 hours local time.

"There are 68 aftershocks as of 15:00 WIT [eastern Indonesian time]. Six of them could be felt," said the agency's head of the earthquake and tsunami center Daryono on Monday, January 2, 2023.

Daryono added that the strength of the aftershocks was recorded at between 1.6-4.9 magnitudes.

Jayapura was hit by a tectonic quake measuring at 4.9-magnitude on the Richter scale earlier today at 01:24 AM Western Indonesia Time (WIB) or 03:24 AM Eastern Indonesia Time (WIT). Its epicenter was located on land, 14 kilometers northeast of the city at a depth of 10 kilometers.

"[It was] allegedly caused by active fault activity that crosses Jayapura," said Daryono.

The shaking was reported to be felt in Jayapura areas at MMI level IV to V. This means it was felt by many indoors and some outdoors. In addition, doors and walls make cracking sounds.

According to a written release issued by the Head of the Papua Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) and Regional Disaster Mitigation (BPBD), Welliam R. Manderi, seven buildings were slightly damaged. The damaged buildings are Swisbells Hotel, Horison Hotel, Provita Hospital, Jayapura Mall, Sunni Abepura Hotel, the Mayor's Office, and RM. B. ONE Jayapura.

"The TRC [quick response team] of Jayapura BPBD conduct a quick assessment on the impact of the damage caused by the earthquake and losses," Williem said. He also included photos of damaged buildings and thick cracks in the middle of the road. However, there is no data regarding the damage to residents' houses.

MARIA FRANSISCA LAHUR

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