JAKARTA: A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit off Sumatra island in western Indonesia on Monday, causing panic among residents but resulting in no casualties or damage, according to the United States (US) Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicentre was at sea southwest of Padangsidempuan city in northern Sumatra, at a depth of 84 kilometres (52 miles). The tremor occurred around 9:59 pm (1459 GMT).
Although there was no tsunami warning after the earthquake, the country’s meteorology and geophysics agency advised residents closest to the epicentre to remain cautious of potential aftershocks.
No immediate reports of loss in due to quake
Some residents reported that their homes shook but there were no immediate reports of damage to property or injuries from major Indonesian media outlets.
Indonesia frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plates collide.
On November 21, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit West Java province on Indonesia’s main island of Java, resulting in the death of 602 people.
