Strong and shallow M7.4 earthquake hit near the coast of southwest Sumatra, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the BMKG as M7.4 hit off the coast of southwest Sumatra, Indonesia at 12:03 UTC (19:03 local time) on August 2, 2019. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). USGS is reporting M6.9 at a depth of 52.8 km (32.8 miles); EMSC M6.8 at a depth of 40 km (24.8 miles).

The epicenter was located 148 km (92 miles) SW of Labuan (population 33 567), 177 km (110 miles) SW of Pandeglang (population 92 316) and 187 km (116 miles) WSW of Rangkasbitung (population 43 001), Indonesia.

There are about 37 000 people living within 100 km (62 miles).

8 000 people are estimated to have felt strong shaking, 990 000 moderate and 38 811 000 light.

An early tsunami alert was issued at 12:03 and ended at 14:40 UTC (21:40 WIB) after no change in the seawater level was observed.

The quake caused panic, sent people out of their homes and buildings, and those on the coast fleeing for higher ground.

It lasted around 40 seconds.

There are no reports of major damage or casualties.

 

The USGS issued a green alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage.

Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction.

Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides that might have contributed to losses.

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Regional seismicity

Featured image credit: Google, TW/SAM