9 February 2013
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9, 2013): Although
Malaysians may feel that the country is not prone to earthquakes,
experts believe otherwise.
Located at the peripheral of the ring
of fire and beside two neighbours, Indonesia and the Philippines,
which have seen violent episodes of seismological activities in the
past few years, the chances of being jolted by at least one moderate
earthquake cannot be ruled out.
So far, Malaysia has only encountered
strong vibrations and aftershocks after its neighbours were hit by
strong earthquakes.
In 2012, the Meteorological Department
had detected eight earthquakes in the eastern part of the country, in
Sabah and Sarawak (between 2 and 4.5 on the Richter scale).
Six earthquakes had occurred in Sabah
(Tambunan, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Beluran, Kunak and Keningau) and two
earthquakes had occurred in Belaga, Sarawak. However, an earthquake
with a magnitude of 5.8 on the Richter scale in Lahat Datu in Sabah
in 1976 is believed to be the strongest earthquake so far.
THE THREAT IS REAL
A seismology expert, Dr Mohd Rosaidi
Che Abas, 54, said the threat of an earthquake in Malaysia cannot be
ignored. The Meteorological Department's Deputy Director
(Application) said some of the country's most vulnerable areas are
Bukit Tinggi in Pahang and Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan.
A relatively strong earthquake can hit
these areas and some parts of Sabah and Sarawak.
"Previously, a moderate earthquake
had occurred in Lahad Datu, Sabah, and it is possible for a moderate
earthquake to occur in other areas located at or near active fault
lines.
"Malaysia is close to areas that
have experienced strong earthquakes, including Sumatra and the
Andaman Sea, while Sabah and Sarawak are located close to the
earthquake zone of South Philippines and North Sulawesi. Therefore,
the odds of an earthquake striking Peninsula Malaysia cannot be ruled
out," he said to Bernama at the Meteorological Department's
headquarters.
THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING HIT BY A
STRONG EARTHQUAKE
Nevertheless, Dr Mohd Rosaidi, who has
been with the meteorological department for the last 30 years, stated
that the possibility of being hit by a strong earthquake remains
slim.
This fact is based on the findings of
local experts who study earthquakes, with local universities
conducting further studies on the country's vulnerability to
earthquakes.
"The proposed long term studies on
active fault lines, especially in Ranau and Lahad Datu in Sabah and
Bukit Tinggi in Pahang, are being carried out by the department,
along with the Mineral and Geosciences Department," he said.
Dr Mohd Rosaidi, who has a Doctorate in
earthquake studies from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and a Masters
degree in seismology from Japan's International Institute of
Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, said earthquakes in a seabed
unleashes another threat - tsunami.
"Based on some of the findings,
strong earthquakes occur at zones where tectonic plates collide at
the Andaman Sea, the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea and the Sulawesi
Sea. When a strong earthquake occurs in these seas, it can unleash a
tsunami that can end up at the coastlines of Perlis, Kedah, Penang,
Perak, Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak," he said.
TSUNAMI WARNING STATION
Dr Mohamad Rosaidi said after Aceh was
affected by an earthquake and a tsunami in December 2004, the country
had taken steps to establish17 earthquake detection stations and the
National Tsunami Early Warning System.
He pointed out that these 17 stations
have been operating since 2005, and they can detect tectonic plate
movements. Seven of these stations are located at the peninsula and
the remaining 10 stations are located in Sabah and Sarawak.
These stations are equipped with
seismic movement detectors, high tide and low tide gauges. Cameras
too have been stationed along certain stretches of the coastline to
look out for tsunamis. Within 10 minutes of an occurrence of an
earthquake, a warning will be issued so that locals can take the
necessary precautions.
Dr Mohd Rosaidi also said 23 tsunami
sirens have been installed at high risk locations all over the nation
to warn people in the event of a tsunami.
HELP FROM FOREIGN PARTIES
To keep earthquakes and tsunamis in
check, the department is working closely with international agencies
like the International Tsunami Warning Centre and the International
Tsunami Training Centre, both based in Hawaii.
Dr Mohd Rosaidi added that the country
is cooperating with the meteorological agencies of Indonesia and the
Philippines by sharing information and providing early alerts.
The exchange of information on
earthquake and tsunami warnings across borders is vital to ensure
that the earthquake and tsunami warning systems are efficient.
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF AN
EARTHQUAKE
Are we ready to face an earthquake?
What should we do if an earthquake occurs in Malaysia? "When an
earthquake occurs, ensure that you are safe and immediately, listen
to the bulletins issued by the department through the television,
radio and social websites," he said.
The department also conducts awareness
programmes so that the public can react quickly in the event of an
earthquake or a tsunami. – Bernama
