WEST JAVA — An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter Scale (SR) shook Bandung Regency on Wednesday (18/09/2024) morning. The epicenter was detected on land, about 8 kilometers southeast of Bandung Regency with a depth of 10 kilometers. The strong tremors were felt by residents of Bandung and surrounding areas.
Luckily, based on the analysis of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake that occurred at 09:41:08 WIB did not have the potential to cause tsunami waves. Even so, BMKG urges residents to remain vigilant against aftershocks. BMKG even noted that there was an aftershock that occurred at 09:57 WIB with a magnitude of 2.0 in Bandung Regency.
Responding to this situation, Dompet Dhuafa through the Disaster Management Center (DMC) immediately moved quickly. The DMC response team has been dispatched to the earthquake site to assess the current conditions and urgent needs of the affected community.
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Currently, a number of Dompet Dhuafa West Java response personnel have arrived at the earthquake-affected location. They are on standby in Kertasari District, Bandung Regency. There, there are three villages affected by the earthquake, namely Cihaur Village, Cikembang Village, and Cibeureum Village. Upon arrival at the location, the DMC Team immediately provided evacuation services to survivors who suffered minor and moderate injuries. In addition, the team also helped set up emergency tents for health posts.
“The current condition, residents have not dared to enter the house or approach the house because there are still several aftershocks. Furthermore, we are conducting data collection assessments on the injured, damaged houses, and what assistance is needed,” explained Resda Jaya Pangestu, one of the Dompet Dhuafa West Java Response Team.
Meanwhile, four Central DMC personnel based in Ciputat, South Tangerang are on their way with a fleet and complete equipment to the disaster site.
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Based on the information obtained, so far there have been no official reports of casualties caused by the earthquake. However, in the field, many residents have complained about minor injuries due to panic or being hit by light debris. Of course, the situation may change and the number of victims may increase as new information is discovered.
“What is certain is that we are moving according to procedure. We will certainly continue to connect and coordinate with related parties in every action we take,” explained Taqi Falsafati, one of the Dompet Dhuafa DMC Team who was heading to the Bandung Regency earthquake response point. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar, DMC
Editor: Dhika Prabowo