NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Tuesday, shaking communities across parts of Sumatra. The earthquake occurred at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. Official data placed the epicenter in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. The earthquake had a depth of 29 kilometers, with its source beneath waters west of Sumatra.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, known as BMKG, located the earthquake at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. Its intensity data showed the strongest reported shaking in North Tapanuli, where residents experienced intensity IV. Several areas in West Sumatra also recorded noticeable tremors. The earthquake reached communities in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman and Agam.
Residents across other parts of Sumatra also reported shaking after the magnitude 6.1 earthquake. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, said the earthquake had no potential to generate a tsunami. Residents in South Nias felt weak shaking for about three to five seconds. Local disaster offices began monitoring affected areas after the tremor, while the initial national bulletin provided no confirmed casualty or damage figures.
Officials report no tsunami threat
Shaking reached intensity III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman and Agam, according to official intensity records. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam and South Nias registered intensity III. Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli recorded intensity II to III, while Gunungsitoli registered intensity II. The readings showed that people felt the earthquake across several provinces, although reported shaking levels varied by location.
Authorities urged residents to remain calm and rely on official earthquake information following the offshore tremor. They advised people to inspect homes and other buildings for cracks or structural damage. Residents should move to open areas if another strong earthquake occurs. Officials also advised people near the coast to stay away from beaches following strong aftershocks as part of the safety guidance issued after the event.
Monitoring continues after offshore earthquake
Official earthquake listings available Wednesday continued to show the South Nias event at magnitude 6.1 and a depth of 29 kilometers. The recorded epicenter also remained 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warning had been issued for the earthquake in the latest official information available. Local disaster teams continued their post-earthquake monitoring to identify any effects on communities that experienced the shaking.
The earthquake occurred on August 18 as residents across western Indonesia received alerts and reports about the offshore seismic event. Officials continued to direct the public toward verified earthquake information and local safety instructions. People in affected areas were advised to avoid structures showing damage and to remain alert for further tremors. The confirmed information continued to identify the event as a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake with no tsunami threat.