"By looking at the epicenter and the hypocenter, the earthquake occurred because of fault activities," BMKG's Head of Earthquake and Tsunami Center Daryono explained.
According to Daryono, the epicenter of the earthquake was recorded at the coordinates of 2.22 degrees south latitude and 140.09 degrees east longitude, 53 km northwest of Jayapura District, Papua, and 10 km underwater.
The results of source analysis showed that the earthquake had a thrust fault mechanism, he added.
The earthquake was reportedly felt at Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale III in Jayapura City and District, with the vibrations being felt inside the house or as though a truck were passing by.
The earthquake did not have the potential to cause a tsunami, Daryono said.
"Until 11:40 a.m. WIB, the BMKG recorded an aftershock, with a magnitude of 2.0," he noted.
The BMKG has advised people to remain calm and not be affected by unreliable information and avoid cracked or damaged buildings.
Earlier, on Monday (July 3, 2023), the agency reported a 6.2-magnitude tectonic earthquake 69 km southwest of Keerom, Papua.
The local disaster mitigation agency (BPBD Papua) reported no damage due to the earthquake, but the local police conducted a patrol at crowded points to check on the conditions and prevent arising crimes, such as store looting.
On February 9, 2023, at least 700 people evacuated due to the 5.4-magnitude quake that shook the city of Jayapura, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).
Chief of BPBD Papua Welliam Manderi said several buildings suffered damage of mild to high severity due to the earthquake that had triggered landslides and caused fallen trees.
Related news: Jayapura city govt declares 21-day emergency period due to 5.4M quake
Related news: BMKG records 483 aftershocks after 4.9M-quake in Jayapura
Translator: Devi R, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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