Earthquake Shakes NTT, Triggers Possible Tsunami in 5 Provinces

english.jpnn.com, NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR - A 7.5-magnitude earthquake rocked the Flores Sea, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Tuesday (14/12) and had the potential to trigger a tsunami threatening five provinces.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said a potential tsunami could hit the provinces of NTT, Maluku, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), South Sulawesi, and North Sulawesi.

Head of Kupang Geophysics Station, Margiono, said Tuesday's earthquake occurred at a depth of 12 kilometers with a distance of 112 kilometers northwest of Larantuka.

The vibrations reached Makassar City and Selayar Islands Regency, South Sulawesi.

Margiono urged residents in potentially affected areas to move to safer places to avoid the threat of a tsunami.

"The BMKG asks local administrations that are on alert status to immediately direct the community to evacuate," said Margiono.

The BMKG stated that an aftershock with a magnitude of 5.5 occurred in the Flores Sea, about 129 kilometers northwest of Maumere, after the main earthquake on Tuesday.

The aftershock did not have the potential to cause a tsunami, but residents in the areas around the epicenter are advised to remain vigilant. (antara/lia/mcr20/jpnn)

This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: Gempa 7,5 SR Guncang Flores NTT, Potensi Picu Tsunami di 5 Provinsi, Waspada