2 Kali Gempa Magnitudo 5,8 dan 5,6 Guncang Gunung Kidul DIY, BMKG: Tak Berpotensi Tsunami

Summary

On the evening of August 26, 2024, at 19.57 Western Indonesia Time, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck near Mount Kidul in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The epicenter was located 95 km southwest of Mount Kidol at a depth of 30 km. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed there was no tsunami potential. Subsequent aftershocks were felt in the region, with a second earthquake, magnitude 5.6, also centered in the sea near Mount Kidul. Residents in Sleman, Purbalingga, and Kebumen reported feeling the tremors. BMKG's Daryono highlighted the potential for mega-quakes in the Sunda Strait and Mentawai regions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness.

Takeaways

• 😨 A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Mount Kidul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on the evening of August 26, 2024, at approximately 19:57 Western Indonesian Time.
• 📍 The earthquake's epicenter was located at sea, 95 km southwest of Mount Kidul with a depth of 30 km, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
• 🌊 BMKG confirmed that the earthquake did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami.
• 🔨 The earthquake was felt quite strongly and was confirmed by BMKG to have aftershocks a few minutes later.
• 🆕 A second earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 was reported, also centered in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta.
• 🏠 Many residents in various locations, including Sleman, Purbalingga, and Kebumen, reported feeling the earthquake through social media comments.
• 📹 Videos showed people evacuating buildings and lights swaying due to the tremors.
• 🚨 Daryono from BMKG stated that the epicenter was in the contact area between the plates or megatrust, indicating the complexity of the tectonic activity.
• 📈 BMKG has previously released information about the potential for mega thrust earthquakes in several zones in Indonesia, emphasizing that discussions on this are not new.
• 🏞 The term 'megathrust' refers to a very large and extensive subduction zone, which is part of a deep plate boundary.
• ⏳ Despite hundreds of years without a major earthquake in certain zones, it does not mean that a large earthquake will happen soon, but it is a possibility that should be considered.
• 📢 The news was broadcast on August 26, 2024, at around 20:00 Western Indonesian Time, and the impact of the earthquake was still being assessed by Tribun Network.

Q & A

What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta on August 26, 2024?

The earthquake had a magnitude of 5.8.

At what time did the earthquake occur on August 26, 2024?

The earthquake occurred at approximately 19:57 Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

Where was the epicenter of the earthquake located in relation to Gunung Kidul?

The epicenter was in the sea, precisely 95 km southwest of Mount Kidul.

What was the depth of the earthquake's focus?

The earthquake had a depth of 30 km.

Did the earthquake have the potential to trigger a tsunami?

No, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the earthquake did not have tsunami potential.

Were there any aftershocks following the initial earthquake?

Yes, there were aftershocks, including one with a magnitude of 5.6, which occurred a few minutes after the main earthquake.

How did the residents of Sleman, Yogyakarta, experience the earthquake?

Residents in Sleman reported feeling a significant impact from the earthquake.

What other areas besides Gunung Kidul were affected by the earthquake?

Areas such as Purbalingga, Kebumen, and Desa Gatak in Delanggu Klaten, Central Java, also felt the earthquake.

What was the situation in Karang Anyar, Central Java, during the earthquake?

In Karang Anyar, the earthquake was felt strongly, and residents were seen evacuating their homes in anticipation of aftershocks.

What precautions did the BMKG take in response to the earthquake?

The BMKG provided updates on the earthquake and reassured the public that it was not a precursor to a larger event, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for earthquakes.

What is the term 'megathrust' as mentioned by the BMKG in relation to the earthquake?

Megathrust refers to a very large and extensive subduction zone, part of a plate boundary where one tectonic plate is being forced under another, which can trigger earthquakes when movement occurs along these segments.

How did the BMKG describe the potential for a large earthquake in the Sunda Strait and Mentawai area?

The BMKG highlighted that while these areas have not experienced a large earthquake for hundreds of years, it does not mean that a significant earthquake is imminent, but the potential always exists.