Authorities reported a deadly earthquake that rattled parts of North Sumatra, Indonesia, resulting in casualties and widespread damage. The tremor measured a magnitude of 6.0 and struck in the northern area of the Tapanuli regency, a flagship district within North Sumatra. Official statements from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency indicated that at least one person lost their life as a result of the shaking, with several residents sustaining injuries that required urgent medical attention in intensive care units. The full scope of injuries and casualties remained uncertain in the immediate hours after the quake as rescue teams continued to assess affected communities.
The quake occurred at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, striking at 02:28 local time, which corresponds to 19:28 GMT on the preceding day. BMKG noted that there was no tsunami threat associated with this event. In parallel, the United States Geological Survey, which monitors seismic activity globally, estimated a slightly lower magnitude of 5.8 and placed the epicenter at a depth of roughly 13 kilometers, reflecting slight variations in measurement between agencies.
Indonesian authorities reported a sequence of aftershocks following the initial event, with magnitudes ranging from 5.0 to 5.1. These aftershocks were described as moderate to strong in intensity and lasted several seconds, a pattern that contributed to a sense of alarm and unease among residents. The initial tremor prompted many people to evacuate their homes and seek safer locations as power outages briefly affected several areas. Emergency services released images and footage showing medical teams treating the injured and also illustrating damage to buildings, infrastructure, and homes. Officials continued to evaluate the overall impact as information stabilized in the hours after the quake.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a corridor known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. Within this region, thousands of earthquakes occur each year, most of which are of moderate strength and pose varying degrees of risk to communities. The scenario underscores the importance for residents in seismically active zones to be prepared for sudden ground shaking, to understand safety protocols, and to maintain emergency supplies and evacuation plans. Local authorities emphasized ongoing monitoring and ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of structural damage and the potential need for temporary shelters or infrastructure repairs as the situation evolves.