Bali, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, was rocked by a total of 324 earthquakes in 2023, as disclosed by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). This marks a decrease from the 435 seismic events recorded in the previous year.
Cahyo Nugoroho, the Head of BMKG Region III Denpasar, shared insights during a press briefing in Denpasar on Sunday. He highlighted that only one earthquake had a magnitude equal to or exceeding 5, emphasizing a general decline in seismic activity.
The majority of earthquakes in Bali during the year registered magnitudes below 3, amounting to 271 tremors. Additionally, 52 earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 3 to just below 5 were documented.
Earthquakes in Bali Summary
- The 324 earthquakes that jolted Bali in 2023 were mostly below magnitude 3 and occurred at shallow depths of less than 60 kilometers.
- The largest earthquake that hit Bali in 2023 was a magnitude 4.6 quake on December 24, 2023, which occurred in the Java Sea, 291 km east of Denpasar.
- The most powerful earthquake that occurred near Bali in 2023 was a magnitude 7.1 quake on August 28, 2023, which occurred in the Java Sea, 252 km east of Denpasar. This quake was felt in Bali and other parts of Indonesia, but did not cause any significant damage or tsunami.
- The earthquakes in Bali in 2023 were caused by the subduction of the Australia plate beneath the Sunda plate, which forms the Java arc subduction zone. This zone is one of the most seismically active regions in the world, producing frequent and large earthquakes.
- The earthquakes in Bali in 2023 did not affect the tourism industry significantly, as most of them were not felt by visitors or locals. However, the BMKG advised people to be prepared and responsive to potential disasters, especially earthquakes and tsunamis1
In terms of depth, Bali experienced a prevalence of shallow earthquakes, occurring at depths less than 60 kilometers. The overall seismic activity in Region III, covering Bali, East Java, and East Nusa Tenggara, recorded a staggering 5,500 earthquakes, with 21 of them reaching magnitudes of 5 and above.
Addressing the unpredictable nature of earthquakes, Nugoroho stressed the importance of disseminating relevant information and conducting simulations to prepare for seismic events and potential tsunamis. He underscored the necessity of minimizing losses and casualties through proactive measures.
In collaboration with local disaster mitigation agencies, BMKG has undertaken initiatives to create resilient and responsive communities. These efforts include school visits and disaster preparedness training for businesses, especially those in the tourism sector. Nugoroho appealed to the public to adopt proactive measures, such as constructing earthquake-resistant buildings, to mitigate damage and reduce casualties in the face of natural disasters.
Sources:
Antara News
Tempa
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