BPBD Confirms Magnitude 5.4 Earthquake in Buol Poses No Tsunami Threat

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Buol Regency, Central Sulawesi, has confirmed that a magnitude 5.4 earthquake that struck the area does not have the potential to trigger a tsunami. “God willing, we are safe and a tsunami will not occur. However, we must remain vigilant and not panic, and ensure valuable items are secured,” said Head of BPBD Buol, Moh Kachfi, in Buol on Sunday. He stated that the earthquake occurred on Sunday evening at 21:46 local time. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake was a tectonic type. “By observing the epicentre location and hypocentre depth, the earthquake that occurred is a shallow earthquake due to subduction activity,” said BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto. Kachfi added that BPBD had conducted monitoring at sea and assured that a tsunami would not occur. “God willing, our region is safe, and let us return to our respective homes, but remain vigilant because we do not know when an aftershock might occur. But in essence, God willing, a tsunami will not happen in Buol Regency,” he stated. BPBD Buol is currently still collecting data on the damage caused by the earthquake.