Because in this (panic-stricken) situation (due to the earthquake), it is very possible that unexpected things will happen.
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Papua Province appealed to the displaced residents to return to their homes since the earthquake that struck on Tuesday did not have the potential to cause a tsunami.

Head of BPBD of Papua Province Wiliam Manderi made the appeal according to the report from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Center (BBMKG) of Region V of Jayapura that there would be no tsunami potential due to the disaster.

Manderi told ANTARA here on Wednesday that the shocks set off panic among the coastal area residents, who took shelter in safer places, including in the courtyards of the local Education Office and the Land Affairs Agency.

"Many of the people in the Dock IX area of Jayapura City, Papua Province, live in stilt houses. Thus, it is only natural that they felt very strong earthquake tremors," he stated.

Earlier, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck the north coast of Jayapura, at a depth of 10 kilometers on Tuesday at 7:55 p.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time (WIB).

The epicenter of the quake was at sea, about 16 km north of Raveni Rara, Jayapura City. It was sensed by the residents in Jayapura District and Jayapura City at an intensity of III-IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale.

"Patients at the Jayapura Regional Hospital also panicked and ran out (of their treatment rooms). We have also asked them to not panic and to return to their respective rooms," the head of BPBD of Papua Province stated.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, albeit avoid panicking when an earthquake occurs.

Furthermore, he reminded people to ensure that they have turned off the electricity and stoves before leaving their buildings.

"Because in this (panic-stricken) situation (due to the earthquake), it is very possible that unexpected things will happen," he emphasized.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), four aftershocks of magnitudes 3.4 to 4.2 struck Jayapura City on Wednesday between 8:39 a.m. and 9:53 a.m. WIB.

Two of the aftershocks were centered on land, while epicenters of the others were at sea. The vibrations of the aftershock were felt on MMI II-III scale in Jayapura City.

The MMI II scale shocks can cause hanging light objects to sway. Furthermore, the vibrations on the MMI III scale can be sensed by people as if a truck were passing by.

Meanwhile, the MMI IV scale tremors can cause pottery to break, windows and doors to creak, as well as walls to make noise.

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Translator: Qadri Pratiwi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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