The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi, dan Geofisika/BMKG) has once again reminded us of the presence of the Megathrust zones in Indonesia. Currently, no technology is capable of predicting earthquakes, including when, where, or how powerful they will be. So, one of the things we can do is to understand what a Megathrust earthquake is and how to prepare ourselves. Let’s check it out below!

What is a Megathrust Earthquake?

A Megathrust is a zone where subduction occurs, which is when two tectonic plates collide. A major earthquake can happen if this process takes place. It stems from the massive energy that accumulates in the tectonic plates and then releases unexpectedly.

So, where are these two tectonic plates located? In Indonesia, the Megathrust zones have the potential in the Sunda Strait and Mentawai–Siberut areas. These zones have a seismic gap, meaning there is trapped energy that could trigger a major earthquake at any time.
 

Potential Megathrust Earthquake Zones in Indonesia. Source: @infobmkg 
 

Megathrust Earthquake: Things to Prepare 

According to BMKG, the Megathrust earthquake in Indonesia is a potential, not a prediction. So, spreading information about this does not mean providing an early warning as if it will happen soon. However, preparing a disaster emergency kit’s not a bad idea. Here’s what you can include in it:

1. important documents and family photos for identification;