NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – A magnitude 6.1 quake struck off Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Tuesday, shaking communities across parts of Sumatra. The quake occurred at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. The epicenter was located in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency, according to official data. The tremor had a depth of 29 kilometers, originating beneath waters west of Sumatra.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, known as BMKG, pinpointed the earthquake at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. The strongest reported shaking was in North Tapanuli, where residents felt intensity IV. Several areas in West Sumatra also experienced noticeable tremors. Communities in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam were affected.
People across other parts of Sumatra also felt the tremors after the magnitude 6.1 event. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, confirmed the quake posed no tsunami threat. Residents in South Nias felt weak shaking for about three to five seconds. Local disaster offices began monitoring the affected regions immediately. The initial national bulletin did not report any casualties or damages.
Officials confirm no tsunami warning issued
Intensity levels reached III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam, based on official records. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias registered intensity III. Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli reported intensity II to III, while Gunungsitoli recorded intensity II. The data show residents in several provinces felt the quake, though shaking levels differed by location.
Authorities urged calm and advised relying on official earthquake updates. They recommended checking homes and buildings for cracks or structural damage. If another strong earthquake happens, residents should move to open areas. Officials also warned people near the coast to stay away from beaches after strong aftershocks, following safety protocols issued post-event.
Monitoring persists after the offshore quake
Official earthquake records on Wednesday confirmed the event near South Nias remained at magnitude 6.1 with a depth of 29 kilometers. The epicenter was still 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warning was issued based on the latest official data. Local disaster teams continued their monitoring to assess impacts on communities that experienced the tremor.
On August 18, residents across western Indonesia received alerts about the offshore seismic activity. Officials continued providing verified information and safety instructions. People were advised to avoid structures with visible damage and stay alert for further tremors. The confirmed details remain that this was a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake with no tsunami threat.