Geophysics Role In Earthquake Mitigation

Time : October 21,2014

Spesific case for BMKG is tectonic earthquake and Geologist is volcanic earthquka

BMKG roles in earthquake and tsunami mitigation

-BMKG role in earthquake
Disasters are divided by two category, natural disaster and social disaster.
Indonesia is susceptible to consist natural disaster because geographically
Indonesia which is located between two ocean and two continent, has tropics
climate. In addition geologically Indonesia is located in three tectonics plate
boundary and has the impact to earthquake. The research in BMKG spesifically
ffinds the seismic gap in Indonesia area which hasnt happen earthquake yet but
potentially could happen in the future like along Sunda trench.
The dangerous effect from earthquake is secondary effect such as frail building, fire,
pipe leakage and liquification. If earthquake happened in sea, the most dangerous
secondary effect is tsunami like tsunami Aceh in December 26, 2004.
Aceh tsunami causes 220.000 peoples dead victims. 30m height tsunami wave
swipes the mainland until 4 km. Beside Indonesia, there are 24 others have been
affected from Aceh tsunami. Because of that, Inanews was born. Ina news is
earthquake monitorin g system. The system takes advantage from satellite to get
information very early. If there is dangerous earthquake detected by Inanews, BMKG
will give the information to interface institution, media, and upload it to BMKG
website.
Inanews system has some work procedure. The procedure include threat estimation
and monitoring the information until end of threat. Threat estimation comes from
data which is given from monitoring instrument in entire Indonesia area. Inanews is
very effective to the remote area but not for close area. The news announced by
BMKG, has urgency level like wapada, siaga and awas. Waspada level is warn the
society to run away from beach, and for siaga and awas level, the evacuation has to
do to all of society. The evacuation will be the responsibility for government
territory.
Siren sound (evacuation sign) will be sounded by BMKG for the society. Siren
application is very effective because that will directly hear by society in distance
1,5-2 km. Unfortunately the operation and maintenance of the siren is still the
problem. Good communication and the siren authority are still debated between
BMKG and government territory.
BMKG roles in earthquake mitigation is identification earthquake territory, potential
area and fault . That area are taken in advantage by society and territory
government to design evacuation path.

The other BMKG roles is to make a map earthquake zone fot the civil requirement
and training for society. Especially for potential area.
Before we face earthquake disaster, there is some rule to be noticed:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Earthquake understanding.
Recognize your work place surround.
Preparation to place where you stay and work.
Always prepare emergency equipment that easy to reach when earthquake
happen.

While earthquake is happening, you must notice:

1. If you are in the room,
Protect your body from collapse thing while searching a safe place. Run to
outside room if its possible
2. If you are in outdoor,
Avoid the building and craked ground.
3. If you are in the car, get out of your car.
4. If you are in the beach, avoid the beach
5. If you are in the mountain, avoid the potential landslide area.
After earthquake you must be notice:
1. If you are in the room
Get out correctly and ask for help if you are injury.
2. Check your surround room.
3. Dont enter the room.
4. Up to date to news indormation.
5. Dont panic and pray.
Tsunami can be predict but earthquake cant. Do socialization to the elementary
student so they can tell their parents. Building evacuation zone must have hole
underneath.
Q&A
1. For tsunami alert , what is earthquake classification that potential to trigger
tsunami disaster? Why gravitation aqcutition tie needed ?
Earthquake can trigger tsunami above 7 magnitude. Deep less than 30km in
sea, normal or thrust fault. Gravitation data is needed because gravity uses
grid loop for reference correction.
2. Is it possible to predict earthquake with radon?
Earthquake cant be predict. Radon is early earthquake detection, but still in
research.
3. What is correlation volcanic arc and mount volcanic? Is it any vegetation
value to dim tsunami?

Spesifically in West Java beach ?

There is mountain that form by collision. If earthquake happen in subduction
zone, it will has impact to volacanic arc. Mangrove can be dam when tsunami
happen.
4. Have BMKG do a cooperation with migas offshore like in North Sumatra?
Never.