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Scientists warn of earthquake risks in South Sulawesi
Walanae fault runs underneath South Sulawesi and is predicted to cause earthquakes that may affect 1.1 million people.
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A view of the city of Palu, Central Sulawesi, after an earthquake and tsunami struck on Sept. 28, 2018. (JP/Dhoni Setiawan)
T
he National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has warned about a possible earthquake caused by the Walanae fault that runs underneath South Sulawesi province.
The Walanae fault is an active fault that moves between 2 to 4 centimeters per year.
Although the speed of the motion, at 5 cm per year, is not as significant as the Palu-Koro fault that caused the tsunami in 2018, it has the potential to cause an earthquake with an intensity of VIII to X Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (MMI), BNPB head Doni Monardo said during an event in Makassar on Monday.
The MMI scores VIII, IX and X are considered severe and violent and can cause extreme structural damages, according to the United States Geological Survey. The score VIII means great damage in poorly built structures, while X means some well-built wooden structures are destroyed, frame structures destroyed with foundations and rails bent.
Doni said if there ever was a VIII to X MMI earthquake, eight regencies in the province — Pinrang, Enrekang, Sidenreng Rappang, Wajo, Soppeng, Bone, Sinjai and Bulukumba — would be affected.
During such an event, it is estimated that 1.1 million people would fall victim to the quake, according to research by Sarsito, a geologist from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). It is also estimated that the catastrophe could destroy 137,000 houses and around 1,000 schools, health posts and hospitals.
“South Sulawesi will experience earthquakes, as the Walanae fault keeps moving,” Doni said.
