Tuban, East Java (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — A powerful earthquake rocked the region of Java Timur, Indonesia on Friday (22/03/2024), sending tremors felt as far as Central Java. The initial earthquake, measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale, struck near Tuban, East Java, with subsequent aftershocks reaching magnitudes of up to 6.5.
The epicenter of the main quake was located approximately 130 kilometers northeast of Tuban, submerged beneath the sea at a depth of 10 kilometers.
The tremors rattled the populous city of Surabaya and reverberated across neighboring regions, causing widespread alarm and damage. The seismic activity began at approximately 11:22 AM local time, according to reports from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
In the wake of the initial quake, BMKG recorded at least eight subsequent aftershocks, ranging from 3.2 to 5.3 on the Richter scale. These aftershocks continued for several hours, further unsettling residents and exacerbating structural damage.
Areas affected by the seismic events include Central Java and East Java, with reports of tremors felt in cities such as Bawean, Jepara, Kudus, Semarang, Blora, Pekalongan, Tuban, Lamongan, Bojonegoro, Surabaya, Nganjuk, Pacitan, Trenggalek, Tulungagung, Sidoarjo, Madiun, Pasuruan, and Malang, as well as in DI Yogyakarta.
The impact of the earthquakes has been significant, with initial assessments indicating damage to infrastructure and buildings. The East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD Jatim) reported 14 structures damaged, including residential homes, schools, and hospitals.
Gatot Soebroto, Head of BPBD Jatim, confirmed six lightly damaged houses in Gresik, two schools in Pulau Bawean, Gresik, and one severely damaged house in Tuban. Surabaya also witnessed five buildings sustaining damage, including three hospitals.
Despite the destruction, casualties have been relatively low, with only two reported injuries so far. Both incidents involved individuals hit by falling debris in Gresik and Surabaya.
Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to affected communities. BPBD Jatim is actively coordinating relief efforts, setting up evacuation centers, and conducting rapid damage assessments.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Surabaya have evacuated patients as a precautionary measure, with over 160 patients temporarily relocated to open spaces within the hospital premises. However, as the situation stabilizes, patients are gradually being transferred back to their wards.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, issuing tsunami alerts and urging residents to remain vigilant amidst the ongoing seismic activity. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
