6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Garut District, West Java

Garut, The Gulf Observer: The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed a seismic event registering a magnitude of 6.5 in Garut District, West Java, reassuring the public that it did not pose a tsunami threat.

Daryono, Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center, emphasized that modeling results indicated the earthquake’s lack of potential to generate a tsunami. The seismic activity, occurring on Saturday evening at 11:29 p.m. local time, originated in the sea, approximately 156 kilometers southwest of Garut District, at a depth of 70 kilometers.

Although the tremors were felt across several districts, including Tasikmalaya, Garut, Sukabumi, and Bandung City, no official reports regarding the earthquake’s impact had been received as of Saturday evening.

Daryono explained the earthquake’s intermediate nature, attributing it to rock deformation within the Indo-Australian Plate, which subducts under the Eurasian Plate in the southern region of West Java.

The agency’s analysis of the earthquake’s epicenter mechanism indicated an upward movement, providing further insight into the seismic event.

As of 11:55 p.m. local time, no aftershock activity had been detected. Despite this, Daryono urged the public to exercise caution and avoid entering buildings prone to damage or structural weaknesses during seismic activity.

“Remain calm and refrain from being swayed by unsubstantiated rumors,” he emphasized, highlighting the importance of responding calmly and responsibly in such situations.

The BMKG’s swift response and clear communication regarding the earthquake serve to reassure residents and underscore the agency’s commitment to ensuring public safety and awareness in the face of natural disasters.