BMKG Warns of Possible Aftershocks of West Pasaman Earthquake

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a warning of possible aftershocks in the next one to two days following a 6.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra.

“In the next 1-2 days, there will be potential of aftershocks at a smaller magnitude,” said the agency’s deputy for geophysics Suko Prayitno Adi at a press conference, Friday, Feb. 25.

People are thus asked to stay away from damaged houses or those with cracks due to the strong quake. “People residing on slope areas are also asked to temporarily leave their places due to fears of possible landslides,” Suko underlined.

West Pasaman was struck by a powerful quake at 08:39 local time this morning. BMKG stated that its epicenter was at 0.14 degrees North Latitude and 99.94 degrees East Longitude, or precisely located on land, 12 km northeast of West Pasaman, West Sumatra at a depth of 10 km. The shallow quake was triggered by the Sumatran Fault activity and was found to take place on a strike-slip fault.

The quake was previously preceded by a preliminary quake measuring 5.2 magnitudes. As of 10:06 local time, the agency recorded 15 aftershocks with the largest magnitude of 4.2.

National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Head Lt. Gen. Suharyanto confirmed that a number of buildings were damaged, including state elementary school SDN 19 Kinali and West Pasaman Regent’s Office. In addition, two people died and 20 others suffered injuries.

“We are still collecting data. We have sent a team to the location,” Suharyanto said of today's earthquake in West Pasaman at a press conference, Thursday.

Read: West Pasaman Earthquake Kills 2, Injures 20

DEWI NURITA