NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – At 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC, a magnitude 6.1 quake hit off Indonesia’s North Sumatra region, causing tremors across several parts of Sumatra. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, known as BMKG, pinpointed the earthquake’s epicenter in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. The quake originated at a depth of 29 kilometers beneath waters west of Sumatra.
According to data from BMKG, the earthquake was located at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. The strongest reported shaking was in North Tapanuli, where residents experienced intensity IV. Several regions in West Sumatra, including Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam, also felt noticeable tremors. The seismic event impacted communities across these areas.
People in other parts of Sumatra also reported feeling the tremors following the magnitude 6.1 quake. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, confirmed that the quake posed no tsunami threat. In South Nias, residents experienced weak shaking lasting approximately three to five seconds. Disaster response agencies began assessing the affected zones immediately after the event, though initial reports did not specify any casualties or damage figures.
Authorities confirm no tsunami warning issued
Official intensity measurements indicated levels of III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam. In Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias, the recorded intensity was III. Meanwhile, Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli reported intensity II to III, and Gunungsitoli registered at intensity II. These readings demonstrate that the earthquake’s effects were felt across several provinces, with the severity varying by location.
Local authorities urged residents to stay calm and to rely on official updates regarding the earthquake. They recommended inspecting buildings and homes for any cracks or structural issues and advised moving to open areas if another significant earthquake occurs. Following the tremor, officials also cautioned residents near the coast to stay away from beaches, especially as aftershocks persisted, aligning with safety protocols issued after the event.
Continued surveillance underway post-offshore quake
Data from official earthquake records on Wednesday confirmed the event’s magnitude at 6.1 with a depth of 29 kilometers, maintaining the epicenter location at 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warnings had been released based on the latest information. Local disaster teams persisted with their monitoring efforts to detect any potential impacts on communities affected by the tremors.
On August 18, residents across western Indonesia received alerts and reports about the offshore seismic activity. Authorities continued directing the public toward verified earthquake information and safety guidance. People in affected areas were advised to avoid buildings showing signs of damage and to stay alert for further tremors. The official reports verified the event as a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake with no tsunami threat.