Possible tsunami, earthquake threat in North Bali: Expert

A scientist at the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI) has warned of a possible major earthquake and a nine-meter-high tsunami in the northern part of Bali due to the shift of the Flores Thrust toward Bali and Java.

Geologist Hery Harjono told The Jakarta Post about the issue on the sidelines of a simulation program to anticipate earthquakes and tsunamis at Seririt village in Buleleng regency on Monday afternoon.

“The Flores Thrust has been moving toward the two islands in an arc that could probably cause a huge tremor,” the professor said.

The LIPI scientists have closely monitored and studied the movement of the Flores Thrust since 1981.

“We have detected movement of the Flores Thrust three times and that [movement] has always triggered major earthquakes and tsunamis in the affected areas,” Harjono said.

In July l976, a major earthquake hit Seririt village in Buleleng, claiming many lives.

“It was fortunate that the epicenter of the quake was located near land so there was no tsunami at that time,” the scientist added.

In l979, another big earthquake and tsunami occurred in Lombok, while in l992, Maumere in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, was also hit by a massive earthquake, seismic sea-waves and a tsunami.

“We have to be cautious studying the Flores Thrust’s movement. It is a cycling, 30-year period,” the professor said.

LIPI and the Buleleng administration conducted simulations to equip the local residents living in coastal areas with knowledge of what to do in case of earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters.

Regional administrator Ketut Asta Semadi said the simulation program was not meant to frighten residents.

“Buleleng regency has around 144 kilometers of coastal areas that are vulnerable to earthquakes, tsunamis, sea erosion and other natural disasters,” Semadi said.

The geographical condition of Buleleng is unique.

“In Balinese language, we called it Nyegara Gunung [sea and mountains],” Semadi said.

The regency sits between the sea and mountains, as well as forests and lakes, making it an earthquake and disaster-prone area, he said.

People living in these vulnerable sites must be comprehensively informed of any types of disasters and how to cope with them.

The simulation involved a medical team, search and rescue team, teachers, students and other community members.

“We must be ready to anticipate any disasters. When the people have sufficient knowledge and information, they will not be too panicked when the time comes,” he said.