6.2 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Morotai Island, North Maluku

Earthquake Illustration (ANTARA)

JAKARTA The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) detected an earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitudes that rocked Morotai Island Regency, North Maluku Province, on Tuesday, February 4, at 04.35 WIT.

The Director of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, explained that the epicenter of the earthquake was located at sea at a depth of 96 kilometers with coordinates 2.87 degrees North Latitude (LU) and 128.05 degrees East Longitude (BT), or about 71 kilometers northeast of Doi Island, North Maluku.

Based on the seismological analysis of BMKG, this earthquake was categorized as an intermediate earthquake due to the intraslab activity of the Maluku Sea plate on the northern coast of Morotai Island. This earthquake mechanism occurs due to the movement of upward thrust.

Earthquake vibrations were felt in several areas, including Morotai to Sangihe, with MMI's II-III intensity scale, meaning vibrations were felt by several people and light objects that were hung seemed to sway.

BMKG ensures that this earthquake does not have the potential to cause a tsunami. As of 04.55 WIT, monitoring results have not shown any aftershock activity.

People on Morotai Island and its surroundings are advised to remain calm and not be provoked by irresponsible issues. Official information can be obtained through the infoBMKG application, BMKG's official social media, or by contacting the nearest BMKG office.

In addition, the public is expected to follow the disaster mitigation guidelines issued by the North Maluku Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) to reduce the risk of an earthquake impact.