Powerful earthquake with 6.0 magnitude hits Bawean island, Indonesia triggering travel chaos

Friday, March 22, 2024

A significant seismic event shook the Java Sea near Bawean Island, Indonesia, on the morning of Friday, March 22, 2024. At precisely 11:22 am local time, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.0 struck the region, its epicenter identified at a mere 10 kilometers (approximately 6 miles) beneath the earth’s surface. This shallow depth intensified the quake’s impact, making it feel considerably stronger near the epicenter compared to deeper seismic activities of similar magnitudes.

This event was accompanied by a slightly less intense earthquake of magnitude 5.9 that occurred simultaneously near Paciran, East Java, Indonesia. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency provided these preliminary details, emphasizing the shallow depth of this quake as well, which contributes to a more pronounced sensation of shaking closer to the surface.

Divergent reports from other seismological agencies, such as the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) and the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), have indicated varied magnitudes for the quake, with figures ranging from 5.5 to 5.9. Such discrepancies highlight the dynamic nature of seismic data interpretation and the likelihood of adjustments following further analysis by seismologists.

Despite the quake’s considerable strength and shallow depth, initial assessments suggest that the impact might be limited to non-structural damage, such as the displacement of unsecured objects, glass breakage, and similar disturbances. Inhabitants of Paciran and nearby Tuban, with populations of 27,100 and 76,200 respectively, would have likely experienced light shaking. Similarly, residents of Bangkalan and Lamongan, located further from the epicenter, might have felt weak tremors.

The seismic activity was broadly felt across the region, prompting a heightened state of alertness among the local population and authorities. Given the quake’s characteristics and the widespread area over which it was felt, the incident serves as a stark reminder of Indonesia’s vulnerability to seismic events, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

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