Update Info: 6.1 M Earthquake Hits North Sulawesi

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Saturday morning (22/1/22) at around 09.26, residents of North Sulawesi were shocked by an earthquake measuring 6.1 magnitude. Fortunately, this earthquake did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

Quoted from the official BMKG Twitter account, “#Earthquake Magnitude: 6.1, Depth: 12 km, 22 Jan 2022 09:26:13 WIB, Coordinates: 3.67 North Latitude-126.82 East Longitude (39 km Southeast of MELONGUANE-SULUT), No tsunami potential #BMKG , “

The BMKG explained that the earthquake occurred in North Sulawesi was a shallow earthquake caused by the deformation of the Maluku sea plate.

The analysis of the earthquake

Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Bambang Setiyo Prayitno, explained the BMKG’s analysis of the earthquake. The earthquake had an updated parameter of magnitude 6.1 with the epicenter at sea 34 kilometers south of Melonguane City, Talaud Islands Regency, at a depth of 37 kilometers.

Bambang said, “By taking into account the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow earthquake caused by the deformation of the Maluku Sea plate. The results of the analysis of the source mechanism show that this earthquake has an oblique trust mechanism.”

As of 11.30 West Indonesia Time (WIB), the BMKG recorded 9 aftershocks with a magnitude of 4.5

The earthquake that hit North Sulawesi was felt on an MMI III-IV scale in the Melonguane area. The tremors of the earthquake could be felt by many residents.

Reports circulated that this earthquake caused several buildings to be damaged but no casualties were yet known. Although this earthquake had a magnitude of 6.1 M, the BMKG ensured that this earthquake did not cause a tsunami.

BMKG urges the public to remain calm and avoid buildings damaged by the earthquake.

Bambang added, “Check and make sure the building where you live is earthquake-resistant. Also, check for any damage caused by the earthquake before entering residential buildings. The damage that occurs can disrupt the stability of the residential building.”