BMKG Deploys Expert Team to Map Damage Following M7.6 Earthquake in North Maluku-North Sulawesi
The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has responded promptly to the impacts of a tectonic earthquake measuring magnitude 7.6 that shook North Maluku (Malut) and North Sulawesi (Sulut) on Thursday morning (2/4). A special expert team has been dispatched to the affected areas to map the extent of damage and monitor fluctuating seismic activity.
Acting Director for Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, Rahmat Triyono, emphasised that the team is undertaking a crucial mission to conduct macroseismic and microseismic surveys. This step aims to identify the precise distribution of building damage and monitor aftershock behaviour in the zone.
“We are conducting surveys of the damaging earthquake, including macroseismic and microseismic mapping,” Rahmat stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (2/4).
In addition to mapping, BMKG is strengthening its monitoring network by installing several portable seismograph units at strategic points in North Maluku. These devices function to capture micro-earthquake data, which serves as a key indicator for predicting when tectonic activity in the region will cease.
As of 09:50 WIB, BMKG has recorded 48 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching magnitude 5.5. The high frequency of aftershocks has raised concerns about the stability of structures already affected by the main shock.
Acting Director for Technical Seismology - Geopotential at BMKG, Fakhri, issued a stern warning to residents not to force entry into homes or buildings showing cracks. He stressed that unstable buildings pose a high risk of collapse if shaken by further aftershocks.
“It is essential to check the condition of building structures, especially if there are cracks or signs of instability. Do not enter buildings until they are confirmed safe by joint officials,” Fakhri asserted.
BMKG has officially lifted the early tsunami warning following the M7.6 earthquake in North Maluku and North Sulawesi. Joint SAR teams are now beginning to enter the affected areas.