M 6.4 Simalungun Earthquake Tremors Felt as Far as West Sumatra

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck Simalungun, North Sumatra. Tremors were felt in several locations, including the Limapuluh Kota area of West Sumatra.

“Based on the estimated shakemap, this earthquake was felt at an intensity scale of V MMI (vibrations felt by almost all residents, many people awakened) in Tebingtinggi City, Kabanjahe City, and Limapuluh Kota,” said BMKG Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, on Saturday (15/8/2026).

According to BMKG modelling, the tremors were felt at a scale of IV MMI, meaning that during the daytime they were felt by many people indoors. The vibrations were felt in Raya Simalungun, Panombeian Pane in Simalungun, Panei in Simalungun, Pematangsiantar City, and Pangururan City.

The earthquake occurred this afternoon at 5.54 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. BMKG analysis shows the earthquake had updated parameters with a magnitude of 6.4 at a depth of 168 km.

The epicentre was located at coordinates 2.97 degrees North Latitude and 98.95 degrees East Longitude, precisely on land 11 km southeast of Simalungun. Modelling results indicate the earthquake had no tsunami potential.

“Taking into account the epicentre location and hypocentre depth, the earthquake that occurred is a medium-depth earthquake caused by plate subduction activity. The source mechanism analysis shows that the earthquake had an oblique normal fault mechanism,” he explained.

As of 6.16 p.m. Western Indonesia Time, BMKG had not recorded any aftershock activity. BMKG urged the public to remain calm and not be influenced by unverified information. Residents were also advised to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged as a result of the earthquake.