BMKG: M3.5 earthquake in Bantul caused by Opak Fault activity

The Geophysics Station (Stageof) of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that the magnitude 3.5 tectonic earthquake which shook Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Thursday at 17:20 WIB was caused by activity along the Opak Fault.

Head of Stageof Sleman Ardhianto Septiadhi said in a statement in Yogyakarta on Thursday that the epicentre of the M3.5 earthquake was located at coordinates 7.88 degrees South latitude and 110.45 degrees East longitude, precisely on land at a distance of 11 kilometres northeast of Bantul with a depth of 21 kilometres.

“Taking into account the location of the epicentre and the depth of its hypocentre, the earthquake that occurred was a shallow earthquake caused by activity along the Opak Fault,” he said.

According to him, the tremors from the earthquake were felt by residents in Bantul Regency and Yogyakarta City at III MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity), meaning the shaking was felt as if a loaded lorry was passing by.

“To date, there have been no reports of damage caused by the earthquake,” he said.

Stageof BMKG also stated that as of 17:39 WIB, BMKG monitoring results showed no aftershock activity.

Nevertheless, BMKG continues to urge the public to remain calm and not be influenced by issues whose truth cannot be accounted for.

In addition, the public is advised to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged as a result of the earthquake.