According to the local Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, although the quake was strong, the community did not panicJakarta (ANTARA) - A 6.1-magnitude earthquake caused tremors in Southwest Maluku on Wednesday morning, albeit not triggering panic among residents, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.
The Southwest Maluku Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency stated that intense tremors lasted for three to five seconds.
"According to the local Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, although the quake was strong, the community did not panic," acting head of the Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Abdul Muhari, noted in a written statement received here.
The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency reported that the condition was under control, and no reports of damages were recorded until Wednesday morning, February 2. The quake, with an epicenter about 131 km deep, had no potential to trigger a tsunami.
The earthquake was measured at Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) II – III in the Saumlaki area, Tanimbar Islands District, Maluku.
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The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) described that the MMI scale III quake felt akin to a truck passing by, and the vibrations could be sensed inside the house. The higher the MMI, the stronger is the vibration.
Muhari remarked that the Southwest Maluku District was prone to experiencing earthquakes. According to the inaRISK study, 17 sub-districts were at risk of moderate- to high-intensity earthquakes.
"Judging from the (data), 71,955 people spread over 17 sub-districts in the region are at risk of being affected by the earthquake," he cautioned.
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In order to prepare against the risk of an earthquake that could occur at any time, Muhari advised the public to remain cautious and ready.
During an earthquake, people can take cover under sturdy furniture by doing the drop, cover, and hold on method or safely evacuate themselves out of the building.
Identification should be conducted within the family scope firsthand before applying methods of rescue when an earthquake occurs. If the earthquake triggers a tsunami, residents can immediately evacuate to higher ground.
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Translator: Devi N S R, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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