PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - A series of earthquakes occurred three times on Sunday (31/12/2023) with the epicenter in the Sumedang Regency area. Damage occurred to several buildings, there were no reports of casualties.

Official information from the BMKG press conference, Sunday evening, stated that the earthquake occurred three times, namely at 14.35 WIB, then at 15.35, and the third earthquake, at 20.34.

The latest earthquake, BMKG analysis results show that this earthquake had a magnitude of M 4.8.

The epicenter is located at coordinates 6.85 South Latitude and 107.94 East Longitude or precisely located on land at a distance of 2 km North East, Sumedang Regency, at a depth of 5 km.

The earthquake could also be felt in Bandung, Subang and Garut. As of 20:55 WIB, BMKG monitoring results showed that three earthquake activities were felt in this area.

84 houses damaged

Meanwhile, the West Java BPBD reported that 14 villages in the Sumedang earthquake area were affected, 84 housing units were slightly to heavily damaged. There were no fatalities, there were injuries from falling buildings.

Acting Regent of Sumedang Herman Suryatman stated at a press conference that there were three areas that were quite badly affected, namely Tegalsari, Cipamengpeuk and Babakan Bukit.

"Teams have been sent to the field from BPBD, BMKG and the regional government for assessment, assessing damage in the field. Meanwhile it has been controlled, only a few residents were injured," he explained.

Two hospitals were also reported to have been affected, namely Sumedang Regional Hospital and Pakuwon Hospital. The patient was evacuated from the hospital and treated in an emergency tent.

"At the time of the incident at Sumedang Regional Hospital there were 248 inpatients and 83 ER patients. The parts recorded as damaged were the pavilion and VIP room. Patients are currently safe and emergency tents have been prepared," said Herman.

Acting Governor of West Java Bey Machmudin appealed to the public to remain calm, but alert.

It is planned that today, Monday (1/1/2024), Bey Machmudin will visit locations that were badly affected, one of which is the Sumedang Regional Hospital.