BMKG Warns of Flash Floods Following Malang Earthquake

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has appealed to people living in earthquake-hit areas in East Java to be wary of potential landslides and floods in the wake of a 6.7-magnitude earthquake.

"May they stay alert for potential landslides and flash floods in case of rains of moderate to heavy intensity as a consequence of the subsequent impact of the powerful earthquake," BMKG chief Dwikorita Karnawati said at an online press conference on Saturday.

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake is considered capable of making slopes or rocks fragile and can lead to hydrometeorological disasters, including landslides and flash floods, she explained.

She recalled a 4.1-magnitude earthquake which struck East Nusa Tenggara one day before heavy rains fell in the province.

"We fear if rains fall on quake-hit areas, they will trigger landslides and flash floods," she said.

Several districts in East Java, including Jombang, Mojokerto, Pasuruan, Bondowoso, Jember, Malang, Blitar, Tulungagung, Trenggalek, Kediri, Gresik, Lamongan, Madiun, Nganjuk, Probolinggo, Tulungagung, Ponorogo, and Pasuruan have the potential to experience heavy rains, she added.

A 6.7-magnitude earthquake struck Malang district, East Java at 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, but no tsunami warning was issued, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

The epicenter of the earthquake was located 90 kilometers southwest of Malang district at a depth of 25 kilometers, it informed.

The earthquake lasted for 37 seconds and was also felt by people in a number of districts in East Java, including Kediri, the agency added.

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ANTARA