Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Strikes Jambi, BMKG Confirms No Tsunami Threat
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 8:38 p.m. WIB,a tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 5.0 shook the region of Jambi, Indonesia. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed the event, stating that the earthquake was caused by rock deformation within the Indo-Australian Plate.
“The earthquake that occurred is a medium type caused by the activity of rock deformation within the Indo-Australian Plate (intermediate-intra-slab),” said Daryono, Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, in a writen statement on Monday, February 3, 2025.
The epicenter was located at coordinates 2.46 degrees South Latitude and 101.90 degrees East Longitude, precisely in the Masurai Valley area of Merangin, Jambi, at a depth of 144 kilometers. Analysis revealed that the earthquake had a strike-slip mechanism, a type of fault movement where rocks slide past each other horizontally.
The tremor was felt in Merangin and North Bengkulu with an intensity of III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale.Residents reported vibrations distinctly felt inside buildings,likened to the sensation of a passing truck. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage or casualties.
“Modeling results indicate that this earthquake does not have the potential to cause a tsunami,” Daryono assured. BMKG also confirmed that no aftershocks were recorded as of 9:00 p.m. on the same day.
The agency urged the public to remain calm, avoid buildings with cracks or damage, and refrain from spreading or believing unreliable data. For further updates, click here to follow Tempo’s latest news on Google News.
Key Details of the Jambi Earthquake
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Magnitude | 5.0 |
| Epicenter | Masurai Valley, Merangin, Jambi |
| Coordinates | 2.46°S, 101.90°E |
| Depth | 144 kilometers |
| Mechanism | Strike-slip |
| Intensity (MMI) | III (Felt distinctly indoors, like a passing truck) |
| Tsunami Potential | None |
| Aftershocks | None reported as of 9:00 p.m. |
This earthquake serves as a reminder of Indonesia’s vulnerability to seismic activity due to it’s location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. For more insights on earthquake preparedness and tsunami signs, read BMKG’s description on tsunami indicators.
Stay informed and vigilant as BMKG continues to monitor seismic activities across the region.
Magnitude 5.0 Earthquake Shakes jambi: Insights from a Seismic Expert
On February 2, 2025, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the Jambi region of indonesia, prompting concerns but ultimately causing no important damage or tsunami threat.The event, confirmed by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), serves as a reminder of the seismic risks in the area. To better understand the implications of this event, we spoke with Dr. Anita Sari, a geophysicist specializing in seismic activity in Southeast Asia.
Understanding the Earthquake’s Cause
Editor: Dr. Sari, could you explain what caused this earthquake?
Dr. Anita Sari: Certainly. The earthquake was triggered by rock deformation within the Indo-Australian Plate, specifically due to an intermediate-intra-slab mechanism.This means that the movement occurred deep within the Earth’s crust, at a depth of 144 kilometers. The strike-slip mechanism indicates that the rocks slid past each other horizontally, which is typical for this type of tectonic activity.
Impact and Response
Editor: How was the earthquake felt by residents, and what was the immediate response?
Dr. Anita Sari: The tremor was notably noticeable in Merangin and North Bengkulu, with an intensity of III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. Residents described the sensation as akin to a passing truck shaking buildings. Fortunately, there were no reports of structural damage or injuries. BMKG acted swiftly to reassure the public, confirming that there was no tsunami threat based on modeling results and monitoring data.
Tsunami Risk Assessment
Editor: Why wasn’t there a tsunami risk despite the magnitude of the earthquake?
dr. Anita Sari: Tsunamis are typically generated by underwater earthquakes that cause significant vertical displacement of the ocean floor. In this case, the strike-slip mechanism involved horizontal movement, which doesn’t displace water likewise. Additionally, the earthquake’s depth of 144 kilometers further reduced any potential for a tsunami. BMKG’s modeling confirmed this, and their swift communication helped ease public concerns.
Preparedness and Long-Term Monitoring
Editor: What steps can residents take to prepare for future seismic events, and how is BMKG addressing ongoing monitoring?
Dr. Anita Sari: Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes. Residents should familiarize themselves with earthquake preparedness measures, such as securing heavy furniture, identifying safe zones in buildings, and having emergency kits ready. BMKG continues to monitor seismic activity closely,using advanced technologies to provide timely updates and warnings. Public education campaigns are also crucial to ensure that people know how to respond during and after an earthquake.
Conclusion
This recent magnitude 5.0 earthquake in Jambi underscores the importance of earthquake preparedness and effective communication from agencies like BMKG. While the event caused no significant damage,it serves as a reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability.By staying informed and proactive, communities can better navigate the challenges posed by tectonic activity.
