2-1-2024 (JAKARTA) The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has assured that the earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6 that struck central Japan on Monday is unlikely to impact the coastal areas of Indonesia.
Daryono, Head of BMKG’s Earthquake and Tsunami Center, stated that despite the powerful earthquake hitting around 2:10 p.m. local time with its epicenter in Ishikawa Prefecture at a depth of 45 kilometers, Indonesia’s coastal regions are not expected to face a tsunami threat. Japan issued tsunami warnings following the seismic activity.
Through tsunami modeling analysis, Daryono explained that the quake is not anticipated to trigger tsunamis in Indonesia or other Indian Ocean region countries. Japan’s authorities have issued warnings for the country’s western coastal regions, forecasting tsunami waves ranging from 20 centimeters to 5 meters.
While the Nato area of Ishikawa Prefecture might experience waves up to 5 meters, coastal regions like Yamaga and Niigata prefectures could face waves reaching 3 meters.
Despite the absence of a tsunami warning for Indonesia’s coastal areas, Daryono urged the public to remain vigilant and ignore unfounded information.
Given the potential impact, the Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate General in Osaka have advised Indonesians in quake-affected areas of Japan to stay alert. At least 3,791 Indonesians reside in the affected prefectures of Ishikawa, Toyama, and Niigata.
The embassy emphasized the need for caution as Japanese authorities have yet to withdraw aftershock and tsunami warnings after the powerful quake. Indonesians in affected prefectures are urged to monitor local authorities’ information and directives for safety reasons.
The tremors from Monday’s quake were felt across various Japanese prefectures, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue tsunami warnings. The embassy and consulate general are coordinating with Japanese authorities to ensure the safety of Indonesian citizens in the affected regions.
