Indonesia, M 6.2 earthquake in Ambon, Maluku

The AHA Centre was notified of a magnitude Mw 6.0 earthquake of 10 km depth on Tuesday, 31 October 18.50 WIB. As per Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) Press Release, the earthquake was a thrust fault nature with the main shock preceded by three foreshocks registered at magnitudes of 5.7, 5.6 and 4.2 including 40 aftershocks of magnitudes ranging from 5.6 to 2.1. Earthquake intensity reported ranged between II and VI MMI across Maluku Province. In total, there were five strong earthquakes felt in the span of one hour minutes between 19.31 to 20.37 local time. BMKG released that those tremors are a typical swarm earthquake in the area of Maluku. As per AHA Centre‘ Disaster Monitoring and Response System (DMRS), cross-referenced with various monitoring systems and initial reports from the ground, the humanitarian impacts were assessed as low. Within the first 48 hours, AHA Centre identified that the most affected population were those in Nusaniwe and Sirimau districts of Ambon City, combining a total of 200,378 people (record of BPS Ambon City, 2017). Based on statement from Indonesian National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) spokesperson and Head of Data & Information Center, Mr. Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, strong shaking was mostly felt in Ambon city. BNPB reported the following: 1) All lifelines (water, electricity and telecommunication) are in operation and not affected. 2) There are minor damages (broken glass, ceilings, etc.) identified at Maluku City Mall, Pattimura International Airport, Al Fatah Hospital, dr. Latumeten Hospital 3) The earthquake did not trigger tsunami alarm. Although due to panic, Ambon city residents rush to higher ground and caused traffic jam. 4) For several hours in the evening, Ambon city residents stayed outside in anticipation to strong aftershocks. This include patients of Al Fatah and dr. Latumeten hospitals. 5) There were no death casualties reported. 6) Maluku Province and Ambon City Disaster Management Agency (BPBDs) are still assessing the impact from the earthquake Other news report also added the list of public buildings with minor damage: Ambon City Center, Planet 2000, Dr. M. Haulussy General Hospital, Sumber Hidup Hospital and Hotel Amaris.