KARANGASEM, DEWATA.NEWS – A magnitude 3.5 earthquake struck Karangasem, Bali, on Sunday night (1 February) at 21:29:11 WITA, causing light shaking felt by residents in the area.
According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 8.49° south latitude and 115.66° east longitude, approximately 22 kilometers southeast of Karangasem, in offshore waters. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 9 kilometers.
Head of the BMKG Region III Denpasar Office, Cahyo Nugroho, explained that based on the epicenter location and shallow hypocenter depth, the earthquake was classified as a shallow seismic event triggered by active fault movement beneath the seabed. Analysis of the source mechanism indicated an oblique thrust fault, involving a combination of upward and horizontal movement.
The tremor was reported to have an intensity of III on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale in Karangasem Regency. Residents described the shaking as clearly felt indoors, similar to vibrations caused by a passing truck.
As of the latest update, there have been no reports of damage or casualties resulting from the earthquake. BMKG monitoring up to 21:43 WITA also showed no aftershocks following the initial event.
BMKG urged the public to remain calm and not to be influenced by unverified information. Residents were advised to avoid buildings that show signs of cracks or damage.
“Please check and ensure that your home is earthquake-resistant and that there is no structural damage caused by the shaking that could endanger stability before re-entering the building,” Cahyo Nugroho advised.