JABAR EKSPRES – The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) announced that a magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred in the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, on Tuesday at 15:39 WIB. This earthquake was triggered by the subduction activity of the Indo-Australian plate.

Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, explained that the epicenter was at sea, about 167 km northwest of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra. The epicenter is located at coordinates 1.03 south latitude and 98.42 east longitude, with a depth of 34 km.

Daryono explained that this earthquake was categorized as a shallow earthquake that occurred due to the Indo-Australian plate subducting into the Eurasian plate. Analysis of the source mechanism shows that the quake was caused by thrust fault.

Based on the modeling results, this earthquake had no tsunami potential. Nonetheless, the quake had an impact in several surrounding areas.

The earthquake was felt in the Siberut area with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI, where vibrations were felt in the house and felt like a truck passing by. The West Pasaman and Pariaman areas felt the earthquake with an intensity scale of II-III MMI, while in the Bukittinggi area, the intensity was II MMI, where some people felt vibrations and light objects swayed.

Until now, no aftershock activity has been detected by BMKG.

Daryono urged the public to avoid buildings that were cracked or damaged by the earthquake. People are asked to check the stability of the building where they live before going back into the house.

In addition, the public is also reminded to remain calm and not be influenced by issues that cannot be accounted for.