UNAIR NEWS – The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recently issued a warning about a potential megathrust earthquake following a powerful 7.1-magnitude quake that struck Kyushu, Japan, last week. This event is believed to increase the likelihood of a subsequent major quake, which could have a major impact on Indonesia.
This warning has sparked concern among Indonesians, especially given that a megathrust earthquake could trigger a large tsunami. Dr. Hijrah Saputra, a Disaster Management and Mitigation expert from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), shared his insights on the issue.
“If BMKG’s megathrust warning is left unaddressed without further explanation, it could have serious consequences for communities with limited understanding of the associated risks,” Saputra told UNAIR NEWS on August 19, 2024.
Understanding megathrust earthquake
Megathrust earthquake occurs due to the interaction of tectonic plates along subduction zones, posing a serious threat to Indonesia, which is surrounded by major plate lines.
“There are certain areas that, theoretically, need close monitoring, such as the megathrust zones in the Sunda Strait and Mentawai-Siberut. These areas have seismic gaps, meaning they have experienced long periods of low seismic activity,” Saputra explained.
He added that these gaps allow large amounts of energy to accumulate over time, and when released, this energy could result in a powerful earthquake with the potential to trigger a massive tsunami, depending on the source of the quake.
“We (Indonesia) have a history of devastating earthquakes and tsunamis, like the 2004 Aceh tsunami, the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, the 2006 Pangandaran earthquake, and the 2018 Lombok and Palu earthquakes. These events caused significant loss of life and property. We should have learned from these experiences,” Saputra stated.
Preparedness is key
The UNAIR expert emphasized that earthquakes can happen at any time and cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, it’s crucial to be prepared and stay alert.
“In the event of a major earthquake, people must know how to evacuate to safety. This is especially critical for those living in coastal areas, where the risks during an earthquake are higher,” he advised.
Saputra encouraged the public to prepare emergency kits containing essentials like food, water, and medication. Such kits would be invaluable in the aftermath of an earthquake when access to supplies may be limited for days.
“Of course, in such situations, there isn’t much we can do, but we can anticipate them by preparing emergency supplies. Assistance will not arrive quickly and will take time to meet the needs after an earthquake,” he noted.
Government’s role in mitigation
Saputra highlighted the crucial role of the government in disaster management and mitigation. One essential step is conducting disaster simulations for the public to reduce panic and ensure preparedness when a disaster occurs.
“BNPB, BPBD, and disaster experts can help organize these simulations. Given the recent minor seismic activity in Bengkulu, Ambon, and Bali, it’s time to strengthen our preparedness. While these small quakes might reduce the risk of a larger one, we must still be ready if a major earthquake strikes,” he emphasized.
The government should also take cues from Japan, which is well-prepared for disaster mitigation. The Japanese government has ensured that buildings in earthquake-prone areas meet strict seismic standards and has implemented technology-based early warning systems to disseminate alerts quickly.
“With this in mind, we need to take these threats seriously. The recent increase in seismic activity is a reminder that we live in a disaster-prone region. We shouldn’t wait for a major disaster to take action. Let’s start improving our preparedness now,” he urged.
Author: Satrio Dwi Naryo
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
