Tectonic earthquake in Aceh poses no tsunami threat

On Sunday, 8 March 2026 at 13:05 WIB, Simeulue, Aceh was jolted by a tectonic earthquake. BMKG analysis indicates an updated magnitude of M5.3. The epicentre was at 2.03° N, 96.49° E, offshore about 50 km southeast of Sinabang, at a depth of 29 km. ‘Given the epicentral location and hypocentral depth, the earthquake was a shallow event triggered by the subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate,’ said Rahmat Triyono, Acting Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis at BMKG. Focal mechanism is a thrust fault. The quake was felt in Simeulue (intensity III MMI: ‘strong enough to be felt inside houses; as if a truck were passing by’), and in Subulussalam and Aceh Selatan (intensity II MMI: ‘felt by some people, with light objects swaying’).

‘Hingga saat ini belum ada laporan kerusakan yang signifikan akibat gempa tersebut. Hasil pemodelan menunjukkan bahwa gempa ini tidak berpotensi tsunami. As of 13:30 WIB, BMKG reported no aftershocks.’

‘BPBD noted damages at seven locations, with two places of worship, one government facility, two educational facilities, and three health facilities affected.’