NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – The community across parts of Sumatra felt tremors after a magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Tuesday. The event happened at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. According to official reports, the epicenter was located offshore, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. The quake occurred at a depth of 29 kilometers, originating beneath waters to the west of Sumatra.
Located at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude, BMKG, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, identified the earthquake’s location. The strongest shaking was reported in North Tapanuli, where residents experienced intensity IV. Several areas within West Sumatra, including Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam, also recorded noticeable tremors. The quake reached communities in these regions, causing concern across multiple locations.
Reports from residents in other parts of Sumatra confirmed feeling shaking following the magnitude 6.1 event. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, stated that the earthquake posed no tsunami threat. Residents in South Nias experienced weak shaking lasting approximately three to five seconds. Local disaster agencies began monitoring the affected zones immediately after the tremor, while initial national reports did not confirm any casualties or damages.
No tsunami alert issued, officials confirm
Official intensity records indicated shaking at levels III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias registered intensity III, whereas Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli reported intensity II to III. Gunungsitoli experienced intensity II. These variations in intensity levels showed that the earthquake was felt across several provinces, with reports differing by location.
Authorities urged residents to stay calm and rely solely on official earthquake updates following the offshore event. They recommended inspecting homes and buildings for potential cracks or structural issues. If another strong earthquake occurs, people should move to open areas. Officials also advised those near the coast to stay away from beaches after experiencing significant aftershocks, as part of safety precautions issued post-event.
Continued surveillance underway following offshore tremor
As of Wednesday, official earthquake records continued to list the event off South Nias as magnitude 6.1, with a depth of 29 kilometers. The epicenter remained positioned 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warning had been issued according to the latest available official data. Local disaster response teams maintained their monitoring efforts to assess any impact on communities affected by the tremor.
The earthquake occurred on August 18, as residents throughout western Indonesia received alerts and reports regarding the offshore seismic activity. Officials continued to direct the public towards verified information and safety guidelines. Residents were advised to avoid structures showing damage and stay alert for possible additional tremors. Confirmed reports classify the event as a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake with no tsunami threat.