2009 West Java Earthquake

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Date Magnitude Depth 2 September 2009 7.0 Mw 49 km (30.8 miles) off SW coast of Java, south of Bandung 7.778S 107.328ECoordinates: 107.328E Indonesia West Java 20 cm at least 79 dead[1] 7.778S

Epicenter

Countries or regions Tsunami Casualties

The 2009 West Java earthquake was a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred on September 2, 2009 at 14:55 local time in West Java, Indonesia,[2] killing at least 79 people, injuring over 1,250, and displacing over 210,000 (including more than 140,000 in Tasikmalaya regency).[1] The quake was felt in the capital Jakarta although damage there was minimal. At the time it was Indonesia's deadliest earthquake since 2006.[3]

Cause
The earthquake's focus lies close to the major fault plane where the Indo-Australian Plate is being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate. However, the focal mechanisms determined for this event shows reverse faulting at a high angle to the trend of the subduction zone and it has been suggested that the cause was deformation within the descending slab.[2] There was an aftershock of 4.9 magnitude on September 2, 2009 at 16:28 local time[4] Another earthquake in the same subduction zone occurred only 5 days later in the ocean south of Yogyakarta. This newer quake (magnitude 6.2)[5] is considered to be related to the West Java earthquake.[6]

Damage
Buildings in Bandung and Tasikmalaya, the town closest to the epicenter, were damaged, and hundreds of people were injured.[7] An estimated 18,300 homes and offices were earlier thought to have been damaged. This figure later rose to 87,000.

The quake was felt in Jakarta, Indonesia's capital;[8] causing evacuation in many office buildings and hotels. Several office buildings along major thoroughfares in Central Jakarta suffered damage. At least 11 houses were covered by a landslide in Cianjur.[9] Around 37 inhabitants, including 13 children, of Cikangkareng were affected by a landslide caused by the quake and are thought to have been buried beneath rubble.[10] The area has become a breeding ground for voyeurs who are flocking to the area to take photographs of the destruction and victims.[11] At least one hospital was destroyed by the quake.[12]

Victims
Confirmed death tolls by area were issued by The Jakarta Post on 4 September.[13] Area Cianjur Garut Tasikmalaya Bandung Ciamis Sukabumi Bogor West Bandung 21 10[13] 9[13] 8[13] At least 1[13] At least 1[13] At least 1[13] At least 1[9] The Bandung Health Agency says nearby victims of the quake will be eligible for free medical treatment for at least a month.[14] Rescuers have been equipped with machinery but are struggling.[15] 34 doctors and 52 paramedics were sent to at least 12 districts.[14] More than 25,000 affected people were housed in makeshift tents.[12] A group of 30 volunteers comprising Malaysian medical students from several universities in Indonesia, headed by Malaysian Students Department director in Indonesia Dr Junaidi Abu Bakar were deployed to provide assistance. They provided food and clothing as well as meals for the breaking of fast.[16]
[13]

Total

Earthquake Evacuation
It is not possible to prevent earthquakes or change the likelihood of an earthquake occurring. However, we can greatly increase our chances of safety and survival, by being aware and pre-pared. Since knowledge and preparation are keys to your survival during and after an earthquake, you should take steps to become informed. Prepare the following materials to evacuate an earthquake: a sturdy bed or table, pillow, newspaper, blanket, big boxes, and stairs. These are some steps how to evacuate an earthquake inside home or office. Firstly, stay calm, do not rush, dp not panic. Secondly, do not try to run out of the building. This is because it has been reported that most of the deaths are caused when people try to move outside the building. Thirdly, get under a sturdy bed or table. Other than this, it would also be a good idea to cover your head and face with the help of pillow, newspapers, blanket, big boxes, etc., to protect yourself from falling debris. Next, you should stay away from china cabinets, tall shelves, mirrors, huge furnitures, glass windows, sliding doors, etc., during an earthquake. This is because the shaking and vibration can cause them to fall or topple. More on earthquake survival kit. And then, don't be alarmed if the fire alarm or sprinklers go off. Finally, avoid trying to run out of the building. However, even if you do so, never use the elevator during an earthquake, use the stairs instead. Earthquakes may result in damage to elevators or may cause other hazards where taking the stairs would be a safer option.