Post On : June 8, 2016
RELATIVE PLATE MOTIONS
Indonesian archipelago is located in the convergence zone of four major tectonic plates: Eurasian plate, Indian-Australian plate, Pacific plate and Philippine plate. Interaction of these plates affected the seismo-tectonic of the Indonesian region.
The Indian-Australian plate moving northwards relative to Eurasian plate and the Pacific plate moving westward relative to both Indian-Australian and Eurasian plate.
Moreover, as a result of the India and Australia plates converging with and subducting beneath the Sunda plate at a rate of approximately 50 to 70 mm/yr.
DISCUSSION
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.3 Mw occurred at Molucca Sea Region on June 08, 2016. The quake struck 78 miles (126km) from Kota Ternate, the closest city from the epicenter with a population of 185.000. The epicenter was on offshore with a depth of 38km, but there were no tsunami warning was issued because the energy released is not strong enough to trigger a tsunamis.
Earthquake occured in area known as double subduction zone in Molucca Sea Region. Subduction in West formed Sangihe Arc, whereas subduction in East of Molucca Sea formed Halmahera Arc. Position of the event and focal mechanism show that the source of earthquake controlled by subduction in the East, as a result of interaction between Southeast Asia Plate and Philippine Plate.
Based on the shake map of Maipark Cat Model, the intensity of the quake was felt in Kota Ternate, Kota Manado, Bitung III-IV MMI; Tobelo, Tondano, Poigar II tMMI. The intensity was very low and indicate light shaking.
EXPOSURE AND LOSS
Preliminary result from Maipark Cat-model has estimated economic (number of houses) minor losses from this event. Temporary report from local disaster management agency (BPBD), are still conducting rapid assessment. No casualties or damage were reported. We expect no or minor under deductible insurance losses.
For full report, click here.