M6.1 Earthquake Strikes Nias, Tremors Felt as Far as North Tapanuli

An earthquake measuring magnitude 6.1 shook Nias Island, North Sumatra, on Wednesday (18/8) at 1.02pm Western Indonesia Time. The epicentre was located at sea, approximately 157 kilometres southeast of South Nias, at a depth of 35 kilometres below the earth’s surface. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) stated there was no tsunami potential from the earthquake.

According to a written statement from BMKG, the strongest shaking was felt by residents in North Tapanuli at intensity scale IV MMI. The agency explained that at this scale, the earthquake is felt by many people indoors and by some outdoors, with pottery breaking, windows and doors creaking, and walls making sounds.

Intensity scale III MMI was felt in Padang Sidempuan, South Nias, Padang Panjang, Pesisir Selatan, Bukittinggi, Padang, Padang Pariaman, Pariaman, West Pasaman, and Agam Regency. At this intensity, vibrations are clearly felt indoors as if a lorry were passing by.

Tremors at intensity scale II MMI were felt in Central Tapanuli and Gunung Sitoli, where vibrations were noticed by a few people and light hanging objects swayed.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) also stated that the earthquake shaking was felt for 3 to 5 seconds by residents of South Nias. The tremors were also felt as far as West Sumatra Province, specifically in West Pasaman Regency, Agam Regency, and Padang City.

As of 1.30pm Western Indonesia Time, BMKG reported no aftershock activity. The agency reiterated that the earthquake had no tsunami potential.

BMKG and BNPB urged the public to remain calm and not be easily influenced by unverified information. Residents were also advised to ensure buildings are safe from cracks and to avoid structures damaged by the earthquake.