NORTH SUMATRA / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, an earthquake measuring 6.1 in magnitude struck offshore of Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, causing tremors felt across parts of Sumatra. The quake took place at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC. According to official reports, the epicenter was located in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. The seismic event originated at a depth of 29 kilometers beneath waters west of Sumatra.
The BMKG, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, pinpointed the earthquake at 0.65 degrees south latitude and 98.32 degrees east longitude. Intensity data revealed the strongest shaking was experienced in North Tapanuli, where residents reported an intensity IV. Several regions within West Sumatra also observed notable tremors, including communities in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam.
People across other parts of Sumatra also reported feeling the shaking after the magnitude 6.1 quake. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB, confirmed that the event posed no tsunami threat. In South Nias, residents experienced weak tremors lasting about three to five seconds. Disaster agencies at local levels began monitoring affected zones following the tremor, while the initial national bulletin did not report any confirmed casualties or damages.
Officials confirm absence of tsunami risk
According to official intensity records, shaking reached levels of III to IV in Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam. Padang Sidempuan, Subulussalam, and South Nias registered intensity III, while Padang Panjang and Central Tapanuli recorded levels II to III. Gunungsitoli experienced intensity II. These measurements indicate that residents across multiple provinces felt the earthquake, although the reported shaking levels differed depending on location.
Authorities have called on residents to stay calm and rely solely on official earthquake updates following the offshore seismic activity. They recommended inspecting homes and buildings for cracks or structural damage and advised moving to open spaces if a strong earthquake occurs again. Additionally, officials urged individuals near the coast to avoid beaches amid aftershocks, as part of the safety measures issued post-event.
Post-earthquake monitoring persists
Official earthquake records on Wednesday continued to list the event as a magnitude 6.1 quake at a depth of 29 kilometers, with the epicenter remaining 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias. No tsunami warning had been issued based on the latest official data. Disaster response teams kept a close watch on affected communities to assess any ongoing impacts from the tremors.
The seismic activity occurred on August 18, as residents across western Indonesia received alerts and reports about the offshore earthquake. Officials continued guiding the public toward verified information and safety protocols. People were advised to avoid structures showing damage and stay alert for potential aftershocks. Confirmed reports continue to identify the event as a magnitude 6.1 offshore earthquake with no tsunami risk.