NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck off Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, causing tremors felt across various parts of Sumatra. The quake’s epicenter was pinpointed at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. According to official data, the source was located in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. It reached a depth of 29 kilometers, originating beneath waters west of Sumatra.
The BMKG, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, identified the earthquake’s coordinates at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. The agency’s intensity reports indicated the strongest shaking in North Tapanuli, with residents experiencing an intensity IV. Several areas in West Sumatra, including Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam, also reported noticeable tremors.
People across other parts of Sumatra also experienced shaking following this magnitude 6.1 event. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, confirmed that the quake posed no tsunami threat. In South Nias, residents reported weak shaking lasting approximately three to five seconds. Local disaster management offices promptly began monitoring the affected zones, while the initial national bulletin did not record any casualties or damage figures.
Officials confirm absence of tsunami risk after offshore quake
Intensity levels ranged from III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam, according to official reports. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias registered intensity III. Meanwhile, Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli recorded levels from II to III, and Gunungsitoli showed intensity II. These measurements demonstrate that many communities across multiple provinces felt the tremor, with variations in shaking intensity depending on location.
Authorities urged residents to stay calm and rely solely on official earthquake updates following the offshore event. They recommended inspecting buildings for cracks or structural damages. If another strong earthquake occurs, residents should move to open spaces. Officials also advised those near the coast to stay away from beaches after experiencing strong aftershocks, as part of the safety measures issued post-event.
Continued Monitoring Maintained Following Seismic Activity in the Offshore Zone
Official earthquake records on Wednesday confirmed the event near South Nias remained at magnitude 6.1 with a depth of 29 kilometers. The epicenter’s location stayed at 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warnings had been issued based on the latest official updates. Local disaster response teams persisted in their post-quake monitoring efforts to assess any impacts on the communities affected by the tremors.
The earthquake struck on August 18 amid alerts and reports from residents across western Indonesia. Officials continued to direct the public towards verified earthquake information and safety guidelines. Affected individuals were advised to avoid buildings showing signs of damage and to stay alert for further tremors. The official reports consistently identified the event as a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake with no tsunami threat.