Jakarta (ANTARA) - A tectonic earthquake measuring 5.0 in intensity that shook the Sumba area of East Nusa Tenggara was triggered by active fault activity, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

Based on a written statement received here, the earthquake, which occurred at 2 p.m. local time on Friday, was previously reported to have a magnitude of 5.3, with the epicenter located six km southwest of Wangiapu.

Meanwhile, based on the latest reports, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 9.32° south latitude; 119.24° east longitude, or located at sea 10 km northeast of Tambolaka in East Nusa Tenggara and at a depth of 23 km, the agency reported.

"Based on the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, this earthquake is a shallow earthquake triggered by active fault activity," said Head of the BMKG’s Earthquake and Tsunami Center Bambang Setiyo Prayitno.

He said an analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a horizontal movement mechanism or strike-slip fault.

Tremors from the quake were felt in Labuan Bajo City at an intensity scale of III MMI, when vibrations can be felt in the house and feel akin to those produced by a passing truck, and in Tambolaka at a scale of II MMI, he informed. At that scale, the tremors of the earthquake can be felt by several people, while light objects that are hung start to sway, he explained.

Related news: Sumatra quake: Minister orders restoration of road access

"So far, there has been no report on the impact of the damage caused by the earthquake. The modeling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential," he said.

As of 2:25 p.m. local time, BMKG monitoring has not shown potential for aftershock activity.

BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm and not worry about issues that cannot be justified. They are also advised to avoid cracked or damaged buildings caused by the earthquake, it said.

Before returning to the house, they must check and ensure that the house is earthquake-resistant, or that there is no damage due to earthquake vibrations that can endanger the stability of the building, said Prayitno.

Related news: Accelerate data validation for West Pasaman quake victims: Minister







Translator: Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2022