Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Region V Jayapura Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that 145 aftershocks were recorded until Tuesday at 7:50 a.m. local time (UTC +7) following a 4.9-magnitude quake on Monday (January 2) morning.
The local BMKG office head, Yustus Rumakiek, stated here on Tuesday that apart from weaker aftershocks, a strong 4-magnitude earthquake rattled the region at 7:40 a.m. local time.
The BMKG analysis showed that the earthquake's epicenter was located inland, some 13 kilometers northeast of Jayapura at a depth of eight kilometers, he said.
He explained that by assessing the epicenter location, hypocenter depth, and fault mechanism, earthquakes recorded in Jayapura could be classified as shallow quakes due to local fault movement below Jayapura.
Rumakiek also urged residents to maintain composure and not heed to information from untrustworthy sources.
"Avoid buildings damaged by the earthquake and ensure that your house could withstand the earthquake or have no damage that could jeopardize structural integrity before entering the house," the local office head remarked.
Meanwhile, the local Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) affirmed that the Monday earthquake caused damage to some structures in the region.
Papua Province BPBD's Command Centre and Operations Control Manager, Jonathan Koirewoa, informed ANTARA here Monday that damages reportedly occurred at some hotels and hospitals in Jayapura.
Damages were reported at Jayapura Horizon Hotel, Provita Hospital, Jayapura Mall, and Abepura Sunny Hotel, the official remarked while adding that structural damages caused to those buildings are cracks on walls, floors, and windows.
Papua Province's BPBD continues to pool more information from Jayapura City and Jayapura District BPBDs regarding the earthquake effects, Koirewoa stated.
Earthquakes regularly rock various parts of Indonesia due to the fact that the country lies on the Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet and cause frequent volcanic and seismic activities.
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