5.0-Magnitude Earthquake in North Maluku Province: BMKG Report

On Saturday, the Sorong-South Sula Fault caused a 5.0 magnitude earthquake in the northwest district of Sula Islands, North Maluku province, as reported by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Despite its shallow depth due to the fault activity, it had an upward movement mechanism or thrust fault. The earthquake’s epicenter was situated in the sea, 13km southwest of Sula Islands at 2.04 degrees south latitude (LS) and 125.85 degrees east longitude (BT), with a depth of 17 km. With an intensity level of III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale, the shock’s waves were felt in Sanana, Sula Islands district, North Maluku. BMKG’s Center for Earthquake and Tsunami confirmed it wouldn’t cause any tsunamis, and there were no aftershocks by 5:30 p.m. WIB. As BMKG urges the public to avoid damaged buildings, it also appeals to ensure the structures’ earthquake-resistance before returning. People must remain calm and not be influenced by unverified information.