M6.2 Earthquake Strikes North Halmahera, No Tsunami Potential

A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of M6.2 shook North Halmahera, North Maluku, on Monday (14/9). Strong tremors were reported on Morotai Island, but there is no potential for a tsunami.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that the earthquake occurred at 17:58 WIB. The epicentre of the earthquake was located at the surface in the northeast region of Doi Island, North Halmahera.

“BMKG’s analysis shows that this earthquake has an updated parameter with a magnitude of M5.9 at a depth of 147 km. The earthquake’s epicentre is located at coordinates 2.52° N; 128.17° E, specifically 50 km northeast of Doi Island, North Maluku,” said the Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG, Wijayanto, in a press release.

“Tsunami modelling results indicate that this earthquake does not have the potential to cause a tsunami,” he added.

He explained that considering the location of the epicentre and the depth of the hypocentre, the earthquake was a medium-sized event caused by deformation activity within the Maluku Sea Plate.

“The results of the source mechanism analysis show that the earthquake has an upward movement mechanism,” he said.

Furthermore, he explained that the earthquake was felt with the following intensity scales: “IV MMI (felt by many people in houses during the day) in South West Morotai, Morotai Island; Morotai Jaya, Morotai Island; North Loloda, North Halmahera; Daruba; and Tobelo City.”

“III MMI (vibrations felt clearly inside houses, as if a truck were passing) in Jailolo and Ternate,” he continued.

So far, Wijayanto stated that there have been no reports of aftershocks. “BMKG will continue to monitor aftershock activity and provide updated information to stakeholders and the public,” he said.