NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – The seismic event caused noticeable tremors across parts of Sumatra, following a magnitude 6.1 quake that struck off Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Tuesday. The tremor took place 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 originated at a depth of 29 kilometers, beneath waters west of Sumatra.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, known as BMKG, determined the quake’s position at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. The strongest reported shaking was felt in North Tapanuli, where residents experienced intensity IV. Several locations in West Sumatra also experienced noticeable tremors, affecting communities in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam.
People throughout other parts of Sumatra also reported feeling shaking after the magnitude 6.1 event. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, stated that the quake did not pose a tsunami risk. In South Nias, residents felt weak tremors lasting roughly three to five seconds. Disaster response units began assessing affected zones shortly after the quake, while the initial national bulletin did not report any casualties or damage figures.
Authorities confirm no tsunami warning issued
Intensity reports from officials indicated levels of III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias recorded intensity III, whereas Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli experienced levels II to III. Gunungsitoli registered intensity II. These measurements show that the quake was felt across multiple provinces, with variation in perceived strength depending on the location.
Authorities advised residents to stay calm and rely solely on official earthquake updates following the offshore seismic event. They recommended inspecting buildings for cracks or structural issues and moving to open areas if a stronger quake occurs. People near the coast were also urged to stay away from beaches after significant aftershocks, as part of safety measures issued in response to the tremor.
Continued monitoring post-earthquake
Official earthquake data available on Wednesday reaffirmed the event’s magnitude of 6.1 with a depth of 29 kilometers, and its epicenter remained 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. The latest information did not include any tsunami alerts related to this quake. Local disaster response teams maintained their monitoring efforts to detect any potential impacts on communities affected by the shaking.
The incident occurred on August 18, as residents across western Indonesia received alerts and updates concerning the offshore seismic activity. Authorities continued guiding the public toward verified information and safety procedures. People were advised to avoid damaged structures and stay alert for possible aftershocks. Confirmed reports consistently indicated the event was a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake, with no tsunami threat.