NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, a magnitude 6.1 quake impacted waters off Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, causing tremors felt across various parts of Sumatra. The seismic event took place at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. According to official measurements, the epicenter was located in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. The quake originated at a depth of 29 kilometers beneath the waters west of Sumatra.
The BMKG, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, pinpointed the quake at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. Intensity data indicated the strongest tremors occurred in North Tapanuli, where residents reported intensity IV. Multiple areas in West Sumatra also experienced noticeable shaking, including communities in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam.
Reports of shaking extended to other regions in Sumatra after the magnitude 6.1 event. The BNPB, Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, confirmed that the quake posed no tsunami threat. In South Nias, residents felt weak tremors lasting approximately three to five seconds. Emergency officials began monitoring affected zones immediately after the seismic activity, while the initial national bulletin did not record any confirmed casualties or damage figures.
No Tsunami Warning Issued
Official intensity recordings indicated level III to IV shaking in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias experienced intensity III, while Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli registered between II and III. Gunungsitoli reported intensity II. These measurements reflect that the earthquake was felt across numerous provinces, though the intensity varied depending on the location.
Authorities urged residents to stay calm and consult official sources for earthquake updates after the offshore seismic event. Citizens were advised to check buildings and homes for cracks or other structural issues. In case of a strong earthquake, they should move to open spaces. Additionally, officials recommended that those near the coast avoid beaches following strong aftershocks as part of safety protocols issued in response to the quake.
Continued Monitoring Following Seismic Activity
The latest earthquake listings as of Wednesday maintained the magnitude at 6.1 with a depth of 29 kilometers. The epicenter remained located 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warning has been released based on the most recent official data. Disaster response teams in the region are actively monitoring the situation to assess any potential impacts on communities that experienced the tremors.
This seismic event occurred on August 18, as residents across western Indonesia were alerted to and reported the offshore tremor. Officials continue to disseminate verified earthquake information and safety guidance. Citizens are advised to avoid damaged structures and stay alert for additional aftershocks. Confirmed data continues to classify the event as a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake, with no tsunami threat expected.