The modelling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated that a 5.1-magnitude tectonic earthquake in West Aceh, Aceh Province, on Thursday, 11:26 a.m. local time, was caused by the Indo-Australian Plate subducting under the Eurasian Plate.

In a written statement received here on Thursday, the BMKG stated that the earthquake was earlier recorded at 5.2 magnitude. The epicenter of the earthquake was located at coordinates 3.83° north latitude and 95.83° east longitude, or precisely, located at sea at a distance of 48 km southwest of Meulaboh City, Aceh, at a depth of 54 km.

"Given the location of the epicenter and depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake was a shallow quake due to the subduction activity of the Indo-Australian Plate under the Eurasian Plate," Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Bambang Setiyo Prayitno noted.

According to Prayitno, analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a thrust fault mechanism.

The earthquake had an impact, and its tremors could be felt in Meulaboh, with an intensity scale of MMI III-IV, wherein the tremors could be felt by several people in their houses. Moreover, the earthquake of MMI III was felt in Calang wherein the tremors were felt inside the house akin to a truck passing by and also in Banda Aceh with an intensity scale of MMI II, wherein the shaking could be felt by several people, while the hung light objects swayed.

Furthermore, the earthquake of MMI II was felt in Tapak Tuan and Sigli.

“The modelling results show that this earthquake has no tsunami potential,” he stated.

Prayitno remarked that as of 12 a.m. local time, the results of BMKG’s monitoring had not shown any aftershock activity.

The BMKG appealed to the public to remain calm and not be influenced by unverified issues. They are also advised to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged by the earthquake.

Moreover, people are advised to check and ensure that the buildings they live in are earthquake-resistant or keep an eye out for any damage caused by the earthquake's vibrations that endanger the stability of the structures before they plan to return home.

The public is also urged to ensure that they obtain official information only from BMKG that is distributed through verified official communication channels (Instagram/Twitter @infoBMKG), website (https://www.bmkg.go.id or inatews.bmkg.go.id ), telegram channel (https://t.me/InaTEWS_BMKG) or via Mobile Apps (IOS and Android): wrs-bmkg or infobmkg.

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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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