A powerful 8.7 magnitude earthquake that rocked Russia is now raising concern across Asia-Pacific, including Indonesia. Although the epicenter was far from Indonesian shores, the tremor’s impact has triggered tsunami advisories for 10 regions across the eastern part of the country.
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake in Russia has the potential to cause tsunami waves in certain areas of Indonesia, though the threat remains at an advisory level. Estimated wave heights are projected to be under 0.5 meters.
“We initiated detailed modeling for Indonesian regions and confirmed that there is tsunami potential,” said Daryono, Head of BMKG’s Tsunami Mitigation Center, during a press briefing with BNPB on Wednesday, July 30. “But the threat level is advisory, meaning the predicted tsunami is likely to be less than half a meter.”
Here are the regions under the tsunami advisory, along with the estimated wave arrival times:
- Talaud – 14:52:24 WITA
- North Gorontalo – 16:39:54 WITA
- North Halmahera – 16:04:24 WIT
- Manokwari – 16:08:54 WIT
- Raja Ampat – 16:18:54 WIT
- Biak Numfor – 16:21:54 WIT
- Supiori – 16:21:54 WIT
- Northern Sorong – 16:24:54 WIT
- Jayapura – 16:30:24 WIT
- Sarmi – 16:30:24 WIT
Daryono also noted that the advisory applies not just to the listed areas but may include nearby coastal regions with similar estimated arrival times.
The earthquake itself struck near the eastern coast of Kamchatka at around 08:24 local time, centered at 52.51°N and 160.26°E, with a depth of 18 kilometers.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) issued warnings not only for Russia but also for Japan, Alaska, the Philippines, Hawaii, and Guam. Meanwhile, international media reported alerts for Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, China, Chile, and the Solomon Islands.
Read also: Bali Shifts Focus to Land Preservation as 6 Cities Agree to Halt Hotel Development
The Russian quake is among the strongest ever recorded in the region and ranks as one of the ten most powerful earthquakes globally, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Authorities confirmed tsunami waves reached and flooded the port city of Severo-Kurilsk. Local reports stated waves of 3 to 4 meters were observed in Kamchatka’s Elizovsky district.
Fortunately, Kamchatka is sparsely populated, limiting casualties and infrastructure damage. Still, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching effects of seismic activity and the importance of regional preparedness.
While Indonesia is not facing a major threat, BMKG urges residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow updates from official sources.
