Inp.polri.go.id - Batam.  A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Sanana, North Maluku, early Saturday (2//11/2024), caused by tectonic activity in the region. 

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the earthquake's epicenter was located offshore at a depth of 26 kilometers, with coordinates at 0.51° North latitude and 125.88° East longitude, approximately 166 kilometers northwest of Sanana.

Daryono, the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Director, explained that this shallow earthquake involved a normal fault mechanism. 

"The earthquake shook not only Sanana but also affected several areas in the Sula Islands with an intensity scale of IV MMI," he said, as quoted by antaranews.com..

The agency confirmed that the earthquake, now updated to a magnitude of 5.3, posed no tsunami threat. Since 12:50 am, no aftershocks have been recorded, and there are currently no reports of damage.

BMKG called on residents of Sanana and nearby areas to remain calm and verify information from reliable sources. Residents were also urged to follow disaster mitigation guidelines from the regional disaster management agency for their safety.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)