Southeast Sulawesi struck by five earthquakes from active fault

Kendari — Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Kendari reported that several areas in Southeast Sulawesi province (Sultra) were struck by earthquakes on Friday due to active fault activity.

Nasrol Adil, Acting Head of BMKG Region IV, stated that of the total earthquakes that occurred, two were reported to have been felt by the public. “The first was in East Kolaka district with a magnitude of 3.2 at 07:48 WITA, and the second in Buton district with a magnitude of 3.2 at 11:55 WITA,” Adil said.

He indicated that based on BMKG analysis, the epicentre of the East Kolaka earthquake was located at coordinates 4.07 South Latitude; 121.85 East Longitude, or more precisely on land 8 kilometres south of East Kolaka at a depth of 4 kilometres.

Based on shakemap estimates and public reports, the East Kolaka earthquake caused tremors in the district at an intensity scale of III Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI), with Kolaka district experiencing II-III MMI intensity. The tremors were distinctly felt indoors, as if a truck were passing by, and were noticed by many people inside buildings during daytime, whilst a few outside reported items such as pottery breaking and doors and windows creaking.

The Buton district earthquake was centred at coordinates 5.66 South Latitude; 122.82 East Longitude, or 17 kilometres south of Buton district on land at a depth of 13 kilometres. The tremors in Wabula sub-district, Buton district, were measured at II-III MMI intensity. Light hanging objects swayed, and the tremors were distinctly felt indoors, as if a truck were passing.

In addition to the two felt earthquakes, three other earthquakes occurred in Southeast Sulawesi: a magnitude 1.6 earthquake in South Konawe, a magnitude 1.7 in East Kolaka, and a magnitude 1.6 in Kolaka district.