Kota Kinabalu: The recent series of small earthquakes in Keningau has highlighted the need for more detailed geological studies in the district, where fault systems have not been as extensively mapped as those in earthquake-prone Ranau.
Geologist Prof Emeritus Dr Felix Tongkul said the recent earthquakes in Ranau and Keningau were relatively small and should not cause unnecessary alarm, but their occurrence served as another reminder that Sabah remains seismically active.
Of particular interest, he said, was the repeated occurrence of small earthquakes in Keningau.
“The area in Keningau has not been properly mapped compared to Ranau. In light of the recent event, more detailed studies need to be carried out here,” he told Daily Express, Friday.
Felix said the repeated small earthquakes in Keningau were significant enough to warrant closer scientific attention as they could indicate activity along a local fault or fault system that needs to be better mapped and understood.
Ranau, in comparison, is already well known for its earthquake activity and has received considerably greater attention following past seismic events. Felix cautioned, however, against assuming that the recent earthquakes in Ranau and Keningau were directly connected.
“The recent earthquakes in Ranau and Keningau are relatively small and should not cause unnecessary alarm.
“However, they remind us that Sabah is seismically active and that stresses are continuously accumulating and being released along faults within the Earth’s crust,” he said.
He said while Ranau’s earthquake activity is well established, the occurrence of repeated small earthquakes in Keningau could provide scientists with further clues about fault activity in the interior.
“At present, however, we should not assume that the Ranau and Keningau earthquakes are directly connected,” he said.
Felix also stressed that the occurrence of several small earthquakes should not be interpreted as a warning that a major earthquake is imminent.
“Most importantly, these small earthquakes do not necessarily indicate that a larger earthquake is coming. Earthquakes cannot presently be predicted with certainty,” he said.
Instead, he said, the recent events reinforced the importance of strengthening Sabah’s seismic monitoring, studies of active faults and public preparedness, particularly in areas with a history of earthquake activity.
The latest tremors come as attention continues to be placed on seismic activity across Sabah’s interior, particularly Ranau, which experienced the devastating magnitude 6.0 earthquake on June 5, 2015.
Felix said improving scientific understanding of Sabah’s fault systems would be important in assessing seismic hazards and preparing communities for future earthquakes.
“What these events tell us is that Sabah must continue strengthening seismic monitoring, active-fault studies and public preparedness, particularly in areas with a history of earthquake activity,” he said.