Two Strong Earthquakes Hit Maluku Region in Eight Hours, No Tsunami Potential

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that two strong earthquakes with a magnitude of 5.0 and above rocked Maluku and North Maluku with an interval of about eight hours.

The first earthquake hit the Batang Dua Island area, Ternate, North Maluku, on Monday evening, August 12, 2024, at 06:36 p.m. WIB (Western Indonesia Time). 

BMKG analysis showed the earthquake had an updated parameter of magnitude 5. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 2.36° N and 126.67° E at sea, 123 kilometers northwest of Pulaudoi, North Maluku, at a depth of 78 kilometers.

"By considering the epicenter and hypocenter, the earthquake was a medium earthquake due to rock deformation activity in the Maluku Sea Plate. Analysis shows the earthquake had a normal-oblique movement,” Daryono said on Monday. 

The earthquake was felt on II-III MMI in Tagulandang and Southeast Minahasa Regency, akin to trucks passing by. The modeling results show no tsunami potential caused by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted the Banda Sea area, West Seram, Maluku. The quake occurred at sea at coordinates 5.57 ° S and 128.77 ° E, around 222 kilometers southeast of Ambon City and a 324-kilometer depth.

"The earthquake was deep and caused by deformation in the Banda Plate. The earthquake had an oblique thrust movement,” said Daryono in his statement, on Tuesday, August 13.

Based on the estimated shakemap, this earthquake caused tremors in the Amahai, Damer, and Huamual areas with an intensity scale of III MMI.

There are no immediate signs of damage as a result of the earthquake. Modeling results also showed no tsunami potential. 

"The public is advised to remain calm and avoid unconfirmed information. Avoid damaged buildings,” said Daryono.

ERWIN PRIMA

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