Strong M 5.7 Earthquake Occurs Under Sea Near Banten Coast: BMKG

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) revealed that the latest earthquake in which its quake could be felt this evening in a number of areas in Banten, West Java, including around Jakarta, was triggered by subduction activity of continental plates on the seabed.

The BMKG said the 5.7 magnitude earthquake was almost similar to a megathrust earthquake but did not have the potential for a tsunami.

"The earthquake that occurred was a type of shallow earthquake due to subduction activity of the Indo-Australian Plate under the Eurasian Plate south of Banten," reads part of a written statement distributed by the Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, Sunday evening, February 25, 2024.

Daryono updated a number of initial statements that had been submitted by BMKG regarding the earthquake which was recorded as occurring at 20:07 WIB (Western Indonesian Time). He said the epicenter of the earthquake was in the sea at a distance of 96 kilometers southwest of Bayah, Lebak, Banten. Its depth is 43 kilometers.

The earthquake had the strongest impact at MMI IV scale in the Surade area, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. On that intensity scale, the quake is described as a daytime earthquake that can be felt by many people in the house, causing, among other things, doors and windows to creak.

The same earthquake was felt in the Pelabuhan Ratu area (Sukabumi, Bayah and Malingping (Banten), as well as Garut with an intensity scale of III MMI. This is equivalent to real vibrations felt in the house as if a truck was passing by. The weaker earthquake shocks, according to the BMKG, were felt in the areas of Bandung, Cilacap, Panimbang and Cigelis (II-III MMI) and Serang and Lembang (II MMI).

Even though it was not included in the BMKG mapping, a number of residents in a number of areas around Jakarta, such as Depok, Bekasi and Tangerang, stated that they could also feel the same quake.

Until almost half an hour had passed, BMKG had not detected any aftershocks. Daryono reminded the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues whose truth cannot be justified. He also advised residents to avoid buildings that were cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

"Check and ensure that the building where you live is earthquake-resistant enough, or that there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that endangers the stability of the building before you return to the house," he said.

IRSYAN HASYIM (CONTRIBUTOR)

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