The estimate is based on recent research identifying two active fault segments — Cimeta and Cipogor — each about 10 kilometers long and capable of generating moderate seismic activity, said Teguh Rahayu, head of BMKG’s Class 1 Geophysics Station in Bandung.
“These segments are currently the most active and are located on the western section of the Lembang Fault, passing through the Ngamprah and Cisarua subdistricts,” she said on Wednesday.
A magnitude 5.5 quake would likely produce intensity levels of V to VI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, meaning it could cause light structural damage and widespread shaking.
“At this intensity, everyone feels the tremor, many people rush outside, wall plaster may fall, and factory chimneys could be damaged,” she explained.
The Lembang Fault stretches roughly 29 kilometers across parts of West Bandung, Bandung, and Sumedang Regencies. It consists of six known segments — Cimeta, Cipogor, Cihideung, Gunung Batu, Cikapundung, and Batu Lonceng — though not all are active simultaneously.
“Current seismic activity is concentrated in the Cimeta and Cipogor segments, while the others remain relatively quiet,” Rahayu said.
BMKG urged the public to remain calm but stay prepared for possible quakes by ensuring that buildings are earthquake-resistant, keeping emergency kits ready, and practicing basic earthquake safety procedures.
“Strengthen disaster mitigation, both structurally and culturally, and conduct widespread public education on earthquake risks, impacts, and preparedness,” she said.
BMKG continues to monitor seismic patterns and encourages local governments to raise awareness and preparedness in quake-prone areas.
Earthquakes frequently strike parts of Indonesia, which lies on the Circum-Pacific Belt — also known as the Ring of Fire — where several tectonic plates converge, triggering regular volcanic and seismic activity.
Aceh experienced one of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history on December 26, 2004, which was followed by a massive tsunami.
The disaster, which also impacted coastal regions in countries such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, reportedly killed around 230,000 people.
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Translator: Rubby JP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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