NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, a magnitude 6.1 quake rocked offshore waters near Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, causing tremors across multiple regions of Sumatra. The seismic event took place at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, which corresponds to 06:02:23 UTC. Its epicenter was located approximately 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. Officials recorded the quake at a depth of 29 kilometers beneath the waters to the west of Sumatra.
The BMKG, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, identified the epicenter at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. The agency documented the most intense shaking as intensity IV in North Tapanuli. Several parts of West Sumatra also felt the tremors, with Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam experiencing shaking between intensity III and IV.
Communities located farther from the epicenter also sensed the earthquake at lower intensity levels. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias experienced intensity III shaking. Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli reported intensity II to III, while Gunungsitoli felt shaking at intensity II. The BNPB, Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, stated that the earthquake posed no tsunami threat. Authorities continued inspecting affected communities following the tremor.
No tsunami warning issued after quake
Residents in South Nias described the shaking as weak, lasting roughly three to five seconds. Disaster response teams immediately began monitoring the situation and coordinating assessments in areas where residents experienced tremors. Initial official reports confirmed no fatalities, injuries, or structural damage. Officials are actively gathering additional reports from local authorities as part of standard post-earthquake procedures following the offshore seismic event.
The earthquake affected a large area, with tremors reaching several communities across western Indonesia. The intensity varied by location, with stronger shaking reported closer to parts of North Sumatra and West Sumatra. No tsunami warning was issued after the magnitude 6.1 event. Subsequent updates maintained the original details, confirming the same magnitude, depth, and offshore location.
Official inspections continue in affected regions
The earthquake near South Nias stands out among the notable seismic activities Indonesia experienced on August 18. Its offshore epicenter kept the main shock away from heavily populated areas, yet residents in multiple districts still reported feeling it. Monitoring efforts persisted in areas that experienced moderate tremors. Officials prioritized collecting verified information on local conditions while reaffirming that the event did not pose a tsunami risk.
Indonesia regularly faces earthquakes due to its position atop several active tectonic boundaries. Tuesday’s quake struck west of Sumatra, an area known for its seismic activity. Confirming the event, authorities reported a magnitude of 6.1 and a depth of 29 kilometers. The epicenter remained at 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias, with official assessments indicating no tsunami danger from the offshore seismic event.