Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — A tectonic earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 struck Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, due to activity from the Garsela Fault. Daryono, Head of the Earthquake and Tsunami Center at Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), confirmed the details.
“BMKG’s analysis shows the earthquake had an updated magnitude of 4.9. The epicenter was located at 7.23° S and 107.65° E, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Bandung Regency, at a depth of 10 kilometers,” Daryono explained in a statement.
Based on the location and shallow depth, the earthquake was classified as a shallow tectonic event triggered by the Garsela Fault. “The analysis of the earthquake’s mechanism suggests it was caused by an oblique-normal fault movement,” Daryono added.
Impact on Surrounding Areas
The earthquake was strongly felt in Majalaya with an intensity scale of III-IV MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity), meaning it was noticeable to many indoors during the day. The tremors were also felt in Banjaran with an intensity of III MMI (similar to the sensation of a large truck passing by), and in Lembang, Parompong, West Bandung, Baleendah, Garut, and Cileunyi with intensities of II-III MMI.
Despite the strong tremors, BMKG confirmed that there was no tsunami risk following the earthquake.
Aftershocks and Safety Measures
By 10:10 AM local time, BMKG had recorded five aftershocks, with the strongest registering a magnitude of 3.1. Daryono urged residents to stay calm and avoid falling for misinformation. He advised people to steer clear of damaged or unstable buildings and to assess the structural integrity of their homes before re-entering.
“Make sure to only follow official information from BMKG,” he emphasized.
Local Damage and Response
The earthquake, which occurred at 9:41 AM local time, caused significant damage in the Kertasari and Pangalengan subdistricts. According to Deden Saputra, head of the Emergency Response Unit in Kertasari, the tremors were powerful.
“The quake was intense. We were at the subdistrict office, and everyone immediately ran outside to the open field,” Deden reported, according to Okezone.
In Kertasari, several buildings, including the subdistrict office and the local Office of Religious Affairs (KUA), suffered damage. The extent of damage to walls and fences is estimated to be around 80%. Additionally, many vendors’ carts were destroyed, and residents are remaining in open areas to avoid potential aftershocks.
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“Right now, we are still assessing the damage, but with tremors continuing, people are staying outside, and no formal damage reports have been completed yet,” Deden added.
Despite the ongoing risk of aftershocks, efforts to gather more information on the extent of the damage continue.
(Ray)
