Jakarta (ANTARA) - A slab pull deformation activity in the Indo-Australian plate triggered the 6.6-magnitude earthquake recorded in the Java Sea, northwest of Tuban city, East Java, on Friday, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) informed.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at 6.31 degrees south latitude and 111.96 degrees east longitude, or in the sea at a distance of 65 kilometers northwest of Tuban city, East Java, and a depth of 643 kilometers, head of the BMKG’s Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, said in Jakarta on Friday.

"Considering the location of the epicenter and the depth of the hypocenter, the earthquake that occurred was a type of deep earthquake (caused) due to slab pull deformation activity in the Indo-Australian plate, which was subducted under the Java Sea," he expounded.

In addition, the results of an analysis of the source mechanism showed that the earthquake had a downward movement mechanism or normal fault, he added.

He said that the earthquake, which struck at 4:55 p.m. local time, was also felt in Kuta area, Bali, at a Modified Mercalli Intensity of V, meaning that the vibrations were felt by almost all residents, and many people were awakened by them.

The tremors from the earthquake were also felt in Karangkates, Trenggalek, Gianyar, Tulungagung, Nganjuk, Pacitan, Kediri, Tuban, Garut, and Mataram at IV MMI, that is, they were strong enough to be felt by many people inside their homes.

"The modeling results show that this earthquake has no potential for a tsunami," he added.

Daryono informed that the BMKG’s monitoring showed one aftershock activity with a magnitude of 5.5 as of 5:43 p.m. local time.

He reminded the public to avoid entering buildings that were cracked or damaged in the earthquake.

"Please check and make sure the building where you live is earthquake-resistant, or no damage is found due to earthquake vibrations that could endanger the stability of the building before returning to the house," he emphasized.

In addition, he appealed to the public to remain calm and not pay heed to unverified reports.

Related news: Tremors from 6.6M quake felt in East, West Java: Disaster Agency
Related news: No danger of tsunami after 5.7M quake in Jember: BMKG








Translator: Zubi Mahrofi, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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