Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In September 2024, Indonesia was hit by several significant quakes, resulting in widespread destruction across various regions. As the country sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” seismic activity is frequent, but the past month saw an alarming number of substantial quakes, impacting thousands of residents.
As Reported by the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), below is a summary of the most notable quakes in Indonesia across September 2024, along with their impact and the casualties they caused.
Gorontalo, Central Sulawesi – September 24
A 6.4-magnitude earthquake shook Bone Bolango, Gorontalo, in the early hours of Tuesday, September 24, at 2:51 AM local time. The earthquake’s epicenter was located 76 kilometers southwest of Bone Bolango at a depth of 139 kilometers. The tremors reached neighboring areas, including Banggai, Central Sulawesi, causing significant structural damage.
Several buildings, including schools and houses of worship in Luwuk Utara, sustained cracks and other damages. Authorities reported no immediate casualties, but the quake left the community shaken and dealing with considerable property damage.
Morotai, North Maluku – September 19
On September 19, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the North Maluku region at 2:45 PM local time. The epicenter was 47 kilometers northeast of Daruba sea, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake was followed by eight aftershocks, the largest measuring 4.6 in magnitude.
The quake damaged 40 homes in two districts in Morotai Regency, with 34 homes affected in East Morotai and six in Morotai Jaya. Concerned about the ongoing tremors, many residents fled to higher ground for safety. Although no fatalities were reported, the displacement of families highlighted the community’s vulnerability to continuous seismic activity.
Bandung, West Java – September 18
A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck Bandung Regency, West Java, on the morning of September 18 at around 9:41 AM local time. The epicenter was located 24 kilometers southeast of Bandung, with a depth of 10 kilometers. The quake was felt across several regions, including Garut and West Bandung Regency.
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The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that 15 people were seriously injured and 53 sustained minor injuries. Over 500 homes were heavily damaged, while up to 1,000 homes suffering minor damage. Thus, around 710 residents were forced to evacuate.
This quakes also affecting 11 train services in Bandung region, forcing it to temporarily stop, Including the fast train Whoosh which were delayed for up to two hours due to safety concerns.
Berau, East Kalimantan – September 16
East Kalimantan experienced two significant quakes on September 15, with the strongest registering a magnitude of 5.2 at 8:08 PM local time. The quake’s epicenter was on land, 145 kilometers southeast of Berau, at a depth of 10 kilometers.
Although no casualties were reported, the tremors caused widespread panic. Residents in coastal areas evacuated to higher ground, fearing aftershocks and potential tsunamis.
BMKG recorded at least 18 aftershocks until Monday (16/9) morning at around 7:00 WIB.
Gianyar, Bali – September 7 and 21
Gianyar, Bali, was hit by two earthquakes within two weeks. The first, a 4.9-magnitude quake, struck on September 7 at 8:51 AM local time. The epicenter was located 2 kilometers northeast of Gianyar at a depth of 10 kilometers. Several buildings sustained minor damage, including cracked walls and fallen roof tiles.
The second quake, measuring 4.8 in magnitude, hit the region on September 21 at 6:26 AM local time. The epicenter was 3 kilometers southwest of Gianyar, at a depth of 22 kilometers. The tremors were felt across Bali and nearby islands, including Lombok. The Bali Provincial Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reported damage to 26 buildings.
The series of quakes in Indonesia in September 2024 underscores the seismic risks the nation faces as part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” While no significant loss of life was reported, the damage to infrastructure and the displacement of residents across multiple regions were severe.
(Raidi/Agung)
