BMKG: Lawanopo Fault activity causes two earthquakes in Konawe

Kendari (ANTARA) - The Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika (BMKG) says that Lawanopo Fault activity caused two earthquakes in Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The Head of BBMKG Region IV, Nasrol Adil, when contacted in Kendari on Sunday, said that the earthquake with magnitude 4.3 occurred at 05:59 WITA, followed by a subsequent earthquake at 08:50 WITA, with magnitude 3.9.

He stated that BMKG analysis shows that these earthquakes have updated parameters, with the first earthquake’s magnitude of 4.3 and an epicentre located at coordinates 3.73° S; 122.18° E, or specifically located on land about 20 km northeast of Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi Province, at a depth of 5 km.

“The second earthquake, this earthquake has parameters with magnitude 3.9. The epicentre is located at coordinates 3.72° S; 122.16° E, or specifically located on land about 20 km northeast of Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi Province, at a depth of 4 km,” Nasrol Adil said.

He noted that considering the epicentre location and the depth of the hypocentre, the earthquakes are shallow events caused by activity of the Lawanopo Fault.

Nasrol Adil revealed that based on the ShakeMap and community reports, these earthquakes produced shaking in Konawe with intensity IV on the MMI scale, or if during the day would be felt by many people inside houses, then in Konawe Utara, Kolaka Timur with intensity III MMI or vibrations noticeable inside homes and as if a truck were passing by.

“Meanwhile in Kendari the intensity would be II-III MMI, with shaking noticeable inside homes and as if a truck were passing by,” he added.

Nasrol Adil explained that to date no damage has been reported as a result of the earthquakes.

“The second earthquake is a aftershock of the first one at 05:59 WITA,” he clarified.

He also urged the public to ensure information received is sourced only from verified and trusted channels or media.