Recently, Indonesia has been alarmed by a statement from BMKG, stating that a megathrust earthquake is expected to hit the country, though the timing and location remain unknown. But do you know megathrust earthquake? Let’s learn more about it.
A megathrust earthquake is a type of earthquake that occurs in subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. These earthquakes are among the most powerful and have the potential to generate large tsunamis. Megathrust earthquakes occur in subduction zones, typically found along tectonic plate boundaries. A well-known example is the “Ring of Fire” surrounding the Pacific Ocean. These earthquakes have extremely high magnitudes, often exceeding 8.0 on the Richter scale, and can even surpass 9.0. This is due to the vast area of the fault involved in the plate movement, and usually lasts longer than other types of earthquakes, often lasting several minutes, because of the large area of the fault that is involved. Megathrust earthquakes often cause significant seafloor displacement, which can trigger massive tsunamis. For example, the 2004 Sumatra megathrust earthquake led to a devastating tsunami that impacted many countries around the Indian Ocean. In addition to tsunamis, megathrust earthquakes can cause underwater landslides, ground subsidence, and even permanent changes to the seafloor’s shape.
Indonesia is highly prone to earthquakes due to its location at the convergence of several tectonic plates, such as the Eurasian Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and Pacific Plate. Several regions in Indonesia are at risk of experiencing megathrust earthquakes, particularly those located in subduction zones. Here are some areas in Indonesia that are likely to be affected by megathrust earthquakes :
- Western coast of Sumatra
Sunda subduction zone is one of the most active subduction zones in the world. The megathrust potential along the western coast of Sumatra is very high, particularly in areas like Aceh, Padang, and Bengkulu. Aceh was struck by a megathrust eartquake in 2004, wih caused a devastating tsunami. Then Padang and Bengkulu are also close to the megathrust zone and are at risk of large earthquakes.
- Southern coast of Java
The southern coast of Java, including Yogyakarta, Central Java, and Eat Java, is at risk of megathrust earthquakes. This region lies near the subduction zone between the Indo-Australian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The southern coastline from Banten and Bali is also at risk of megathrust events.
- West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara
Flores subduction zone includes West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The subduction zone here has the potential to generate large earthquakes and tsunamis
- North Sulawesi
Minahasa subduction zone is located in North Sulawesi, this zone also has the potential to experience megathrust earthquakes that could affect areas like Manado and its surroundings.
- West Papua
The western part of Papua is also at risk of megathrust events, particularly around the Cenderawasih Bay area.
- Maluku
The Maluku region, particularly around the Banda Sea, is also near a subduction zone that could trigger megathrust earthquakes
Megathrust earthquakes are highly destructive natural events and are a significant concern for countries located in subduction zones. Articles on megathrust earthquakes can emphasize the importance of disaster preparedness and risk mitigation to reduce the impact of such events in the future. It is crucial for the government and communities in these areas to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of megathrust earthquakes. Awareness campaigns, education on evacuation routes, and the construction of earthquake-ressistant infrastructure are essential steps in mitigating the risks of earthquakes and tsunami in Indonesia.
ADRA Indonesia has established several collaborations with BMKG in various regions to minimize the impact of potential megathrust earthquakes. ADRA Indonesia is also retrofitting houses to mitigate the potential for earthquakes in West Java. We invite you to join us in realizing many programs that will help many people.
