In the month of May, we in Bali have already experienced several earthquakes. As a real estate agency offering prime investment opportunities, we believe it is essential to address this issue. Understanding the seismic activity and preparedness measures in place is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of your investments. This article aims to provide you with comprehensive insights into Bali’s earthquake risks, preparedness strategies, and the impact on real estate investments.
Are earthquakes common in Bali?
Bali is in Indonesia (as a country) and due to its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region with significant tectonic activity, earthquakes are relatively common in Bali. Bali experiences frequent seismic activity, ranging from minor tremors to more significant earthquakes. This geological setting makes it important for residents and investors to be aware of earthquake risks and preparedness measures.
Two recent earthquakes shook regions near Bali, Indonesia. On May 14th, 2024, a 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Lombok (Source: BMKG Indonesia). While the epicenter was on this neighboring island, depending on the distance and location within Bali, tremors might have been felt there.
Most of the minor tremos felt in Bali was caused by earthquakes with epicenter is in the neighborhood island such as in Lombok, and Java. In Bali itself, the epicenter of earthquake is mostly located in Selat Bali.
Here’s a breakdown of earthquake activity in Bali:
- Minor tremors: These occur frequently, but are usually too weak to be felt.
- Stronger earthquakes: These happen less often, but have occured throughout Bali’s history. The most recent strong earthquake was a 4.5 magnitude tremor in February 2024.
- Major earthquakes: Major earthquakes (above magnitude 6) are rare, but have struck Bali in the past, causing significant damage.
While Bali doesn’t experience major earthquakes frequently, there have been a few noteworthy ones throughout history:
- 1917 Bali Earthquake (Magnitude 6.6): This earthquake caused widespread damage, particularly in southern Bali, with landslides contributing to most of the 1,500 casualties. It was even reported by the NY Times.
- August 2023 Earthquake (Magnitude 7.1): This is the most recent strong earthquake to have hit Bali. While details are still emerging, it likely caused damage. The tremors from this earthquake were even felt in Australia.
- Other Earthquakes: Other significant earthquakes include a 6.3 magnitude tremor in December 1979 and a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in October 2011.
Is Bali affected by earthquake?
While no major earthquakes have caused widespread damage in Bali recently, the occurrence of smaller tremors and the island’s coastal location have affected the Balinese government to implement precautionary measures.
Back in 2019, Bali got a big boost in earthquake preparedness with the installation of 50 of Intensity Meter. These little marvels don’t measure the earthquake itself, but they measure the shaking it causes on the ground. This lets officials know right away how strong the shaking was in different areas. That info is crucial for emergency response teams to quickly assess damage and get help to where it’s needed most.
The intensity meters even use a color-coded system to show the level of shaking. White means barely a tremor, while red indicates serious damage. This makes it easy for everyone, from officials to regular citizens, to understand the situation at a glance.
Bali Earthquake in Term of Investment
Due to its frequent seismic activity, property developers in Bali are well aware of the earthquake risks and take proactive measures to ensure the safety and resilience of their constructions. All properties for sale in Bali are designed and built to be earthquake-resistant, adhering to strict building codes and standards that prioritize structural integrity and safety.
These measures include the use of flexible materials, reinforced structures, and advanced engineering techniques to minimize damage during an earthquake. Additionally, developers often conduct thorough site assessments and employ seismic retrofitting for older buildings to enhance their resilience. You can even ask for the Building technical drawing through a real estate agency.
This commitment to earthquake preparedness not only ensures the safety of residents and occupants but also protects the long-term value and appeal of real estate investments in Bali.
