Medan, N Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) conducted a macroseismic survey in an effort to map the impacts of the magnitude 6 earthquake that struck North Tapanuli, North Sumatra.

"Macroseismic surveys will map out the impact of an earthquake, which is then validated with ShakeMap modeling," the agency's acting Head of the Center for Engineering Seismology, Potential Geophysics, and Time Signs, Muzli, noted in a written statement received here, Wednesday.

In addition, the BMKG will conduct microseismic observations to identify the local surface soil structure in the impacted and non-impacted areas to determine the possible impact factors caused by side effects of the earthquake, Muzli noted.

The analysis was conducted by recording ambient noise using portable sensors at survey points representing the earthquake's survey locations around the main earthquake and its aftershocks.

The ambient noise data will be processed using the Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method before interpreting the classification of surface soil structure types to find out the characteristics of the local soil response medium related to the danger of earthquake vibrations.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Geophysics, Suko Prayitno Adi, stated that aftershocks of the North Tapanuli earthquake still occurred on a small magnitude scale. Hence, the BMKG continued to encourage its fast and precise action by conducting macroseismic surveys.

Adi stated that currently, there were 119 recorded aftershocks and 15 earthquakes that were felt until Tuesday.

The increase in the frequency of aftershocks encourages collaboration in the macroseismic survey team comprising a joint team of the Central BMKG, MKG Regional I Center (PGR 1), Tuntungan Geophysics BMKG (TSI), BMKG Geophysics Padang Panjang (PPI), and the Silangit Meteorological Station.

The survey team will conduct observation using portable earthquake detection equipment with survey points representing the earthquake survey locations around the main earthquake and its aftershocks.

Meanwhile, Head of BBMKG Region I, Hendro Nugroho, noted that his side encouraged the public to remain calm and alert, respond quickly to the BMKG information, and keep a safe distance if a significant earthquake occurs in the pandemic era.

The public is also advised to obtain information only from BMKG through several channels: Instagram/Twitter @infoBMKG, website http://www.bmkg.go.id or inatews.bmkg.go.id, and via mobile application Info BMKG.

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Translator: Juraidi, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Sri Haryati
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