Damage caused by the Garut Earthquake continues to be monitored

Data collection and studies were carried out to determine the cause of damage after the earthquake occurred.

MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

Officers observe damage to houses caused by the earthquake in Sukamenak Village, Sukarame District, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, Sunday (28/4/2024).

TASIKMALAYA, KOMPAS — Buildings affected by the 6.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Garut will be observed to determine the extent of the damage. This is necessary to ascertain the impact of the earthquake that rocked Saturday (27/4/2024) at 23.29 WIB on existing infrastructure in the affected area.

The Head of the Class I Geophysics Station in Bandung, Teguh Rahayu, stated that they use microzoning methods or small-scale monitoring to obtain data related to the damage caused by the earthquake. In addition to public facilities, houses of residents that were damaged by the earthquake are also monitored one day after the earthquake.

"We conducted a survey to determine the level of damage using a number of equipment. "One of them is microzonation to see the level of damage from macroseismic damage," he said when met in Tasikmalaya, Sunday (2/4/2024).

Also read: The Power of the Garut Earthquake, Damaged Houses and Public Facilities in 11 Regions of West Java

Officers clean the floor of the hall of the Kwartir building, Scout Movement Branch, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, which was affected by the ceiling which collapsed due to the earthquake, Sunday (28/4/2024).

One of the buildings observed that day was the building of the Tasikmalaya District Scout Movement Branch Headquarters. The damage to the ceiling of the building's hall went viral on social media shortly after a M 6.2 earthquake shook several regions in West Java.

We need to conduct a study on the extent of the impact of this earthquake, whether it is solely due to the tremors or other factors such as the type of soil and the condition of the affected building constructions.

Adin Rosyidin, the mainstay in the field of infrastructure facilities of the scout organization in Kwarcab, Tasikmalaya Regency, stated that they are currently rechecking the condition of the buildings after the earthquake. In addition to collapsed ceilings, one of the door of the hall also broke because it was hit by the ceiling. However, based on preliminary observations, the earthquake did not have an impact on the building's structural condition.

"Until now, the affected parts are the ceiling and glass doors. It seems that there are no other affected parts yet. The cracks in the wall have also existed before the earthquake. However, we are still monitoring its development," said Adin.

Apart from Tasikmalaya, Ayu continued, a team from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) will monitor all affected areas. According to data from the West Java Regional Disaster Management Agency, damage caused by the earthquake affected 11 areas with dozens of buildings affected.

MACHRADIN WAHYUDI RITONGA

Officers observe damage to houses caused by the earthquake in Sukamenak Village, Sukarame District, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java, Sunday (28/4/2024).

"The damaged buildings are still being surveyed and will become a recommendation for the affected local governments. We have to study the extent of the impact of this earthquake, whether it is purely due to the tremors or other factors, such as soil type and the condition of the affected building's construction," he explained.

Based on data from the National Disaster Management Agency, as of Sunday (28/4/2024) at 14.00, as many as 8 people were injured and 75 families were affected. Meanwhile, the total number of houses affected by the Garut earthquake reached 110 units. This damage was in Garut Regency (41 units), Bandung Regency (24 units), Sukabumi Regency (17 units), Tasikmalaya Regency (7 units), and Tasikmalaya City (5 units).

West Java Secretary, Herman Suryatman, stated that they continue to communicate with areas affected by earthquakes to ensure that data collection is maximum. He also instructed regional heads to monitor the conditions of their community.

"Until now, data collection and reporting are still being carried out. Our appeal to the public is to remain vigilant, but not to panic. Please follow the guidance from the local government," said Herman.

Based on data from BMKG, the epicenter of the earthquake was located 156 kilometers southwest of Garut Regency or about 180 kilometers from Tasikmalaya. This earthquake even produced vibrations with a scale of IV MMI in Tasikmalaya and Sukabumi, while some areas like Bandung and Garut felt vibrations of III-IV MMI.

The earthquake was felt very strong. I had difficulty running, almost fell. It's difficult to even open the door lock.

The scale indicates that the tremors were strongly felt and have the potential to damage buildings. One of those affected is Nurin Ilmi (19), a resident of Sukamenak Village, Sukarame District, Tasikmalaya Regency, whose house was impacted by the earthquake. The back part of her house collapsed, rendering the kitchen and bathroom unusable.

Also read: Portrait of the Impact of the Garut Offshore Earthquake in Tasikmalaya

Nurin is grateful that she and her siblings and two nephews were not injured when the earthquake struck. At the time of the incident, she was lying down playing with her phone, while three other people were sleeping in separate rooms.

"The tremor was felt so strongly. I found it difficult to run and almost fell. It was even hard to unlock the door. Strangely enough, my sister and her children did not wake up. Fortunately, no one was injured, as only the kitchen was damaged," he said.