What is the potential for a tsunami in Indonesia as a result of an earthquake in New Zealand?
Indonesia detected the New Zealand earthquake at M 6.6, according to Dr. Daryono, the Director of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center. On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, an earthquake struck New Zealand. The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.7, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Indonesia detected the New Zealand earthquake at M 6.6, according to Dr. Daryono, the Director of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center.
“An earthquake with a magnitude of M6.6 struck southern New Zealand at 08.43.12 WIB on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.” “The epicenter was situated at 46.69 LS and 165.78 BT, which is precisely southwest of Riverton, New Zealand, with a hypocenter depth of 10 km,” explained Dr. Daryono.
“The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) analysis results indicate that the earthquake did not result in a tsunami in Indonesia.” Consequently, Daryono advised Indonesians to maintain composure and refrain from being swayed by matters that are not verifiable.
Additionally, the Australian Meteorology Agency has previously verified that the mainland, islands, and territorial areas are not at risk of a tsunami.
Daryono stated that the earthquake in New Zealand was a shallow earthquake that was caused by the subduction activity of the Australian Plate beneath the Pacific Plate. This earthquake is characterized by a thrust fault mechanism.
“Authorities in the Southland and Fiordland regions advised residents to avoid the coast due to concerns regarding the potential for a tsunami to cause harm.” We should be appreciative that the results of the sea level surveillance indicated that there was no threat of a tsunami. The interim report also indicates that the earthquake did not result in any damage to structures, as the epicenter was situated at sea and was remote from land, as Daryono explained.
Daryono posits that New Zealand is situated on the boundary of two significant tectonic plates, which will result in the country being subjected to thousands of earthquakes annually.
In 2011, the majority of Christchurch was devastated by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake that resulted in the deaths of 185 individuals, as per BMKG records.
The National Emergency Management Agency has advised residents of Southland and Fiordland to refrain from visiting beaches and water areas due to the potential peril posed by unusually strong currents.
The aftershocks were felt by over 4,700 individuals, as reported by the government’s seismic monitor, Geonet.
The National Disaster Management Agency announced in an update at 15:30 local time that there was no concern of a tsunami reaching land. Nevertheless, surveillance is ongoing.
Residents of coastal regions are advised to adhere to the principle of “if it is long or strong, move away immediately.”
The official statement on their website stated that “if the earthquake is felt for more than a minute or is strong enough to make it difficult to stand, immediately carry out independent evacuation from all areas near the coast.”