5.9-Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Indonesia's Taulud Islands at Midnight

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A 5.9-magnitude earthquake rocked the Talaud Islands in North Sulawesi at midnight on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency or BMKG noted that the quake originated from the ocean 41 kilometers northwest of Melonguane at a 32-kilometer depth.

"This type of shallow earthquake is due to rock deformation activity in the Maluku Sea Plate," said Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, in a statement.

The earthquake was felt on an MMI III-IV scale in the Talaud Islands, akin to trucks passing by and experienced by many people inside their houses.

The same earthquake could be felt in the Sangihe Islands on a scale of III MMI and in Manado on a weaker scale of II MMI. "The modeling results show that this earthquake does not have the potential for a tsunami," said Daryono this morning.

BMKG urges the public to remain calm and avoid unconfirmed news. The agency also urged residents to avoid damaged buildings. "Check and ensure that the building where you live is earthquake resistant, or that it isn’t damaged due to the earthquake before returning to your house."

ZACHARIAS WURAGIL

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