JAKARTA – A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s western North Sumatra province on Wednesday, the country’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency reported.
Previously, the agency released the magnitude at 5.4 before downgrading it.
The tremors occurred at 14:09 Jakarta time (0709 GMT) with the epicenter located 37 km southwest of West Nias Regency and at a depth of 22 km beneath the seabed.
The strength of the tremors was measured at IV MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) in the regencies of West Nias and South Nias, and III to IV MMI in the regencies of Nias and North Nias, and Gunungsitoli town.
No tsunami warning was issued as the tremors would not potentially generate large waves.
According to Tuahta Ramajaya Saragih, head of North Sumatra’s Disaster Mitigation Agency, the tremors were strongly felt, prompting residents to rush out of houses and office buildings. However, there have been no initial reports of damage or casualties.
Indonesia, an archipelago, is highly earthquake-prone due to its location within the seismically active “Pacific Ring of Fire”.
XINHUA