Magnitude 5.1 Earthquake Strikes Jember, Tremors Felt in Bali

JAKARTA, VIVA – A magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck Jember Regency in East Java (Jatim) on Tuesday afternoon with no tsunami risk. ‘A tectonic earthquake occurred at 3:39 PM WIB southeast of Jember, East Java,’ said Ricko Kardoso, Head of the Malang Geophysical Station, in a press release received in Jember. According to him, BMKG analysis showed the earthquake had an updated magnitude of 4.8 with its epicentre at 9.07 degrees South Latitude (LS) and 113.82 degrees East Longitude (BT), precisely located in the sea 99 kilometres southeast of Jember at a depth of 14 kilometres. ‘Considering the epicentre location and hypocentral depth, the earthquake was a shallow event caused by rock deformation within the tectonic plate,’ Ricko said. He explained that the source mechanism analysis indicated the earthquake had a strike-slip movement. ‘The earthquake was felt in Jember with an intensity of IV MMI, Banyuwangi with III-IV MMI, Bondowoso, Kuta, South Kuta and Malang with III MMI,’ he said. Denpasar experienced II-III MMI intensity, while Blitar and Trenggalek felt II MMI. ‘Modelling results showed the earthquake posed no tsunami risk,’ he added. As of 3:55 PM WIB, BMKG monitoring had not detected any aftershocks, he continued. Meanwhile, several residents at Graha Citra Mas housing estate ran out of their homes due to the strong shaking. ‘The shaking was strong enough for me to run outside,’ said Fitri, a resident of the housing estate.