Strong and shallow M6.6 earthquake hits off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia
A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.6 hit off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia at 06:33 UTC on May 14, 2021. The agency is reporting a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). EMSC is reporting the same magnitude and depth.
The epicenter was located 259 km (161 miles) S of Sinabang, Aceh and 268 km (166 miles) SSW of Singkil, Aceh, Indonesia.
There are no people living within 100 km (62 miles).
1 206 000 people are estimated to have felt light shaking.
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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 resistant to earthquake shaking, though vulnerable structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are heavy wood frame and reinforced/confined masonry construction.
Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as landslides and fires that might have contributed to losses.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google
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The Earth’s Magnetic Field is in a Weak State. I am not doomsday advocate, but the coming geological upheaval will be mind-boggling indeed. And, that is very obvious to me. If a mild CME can trigger major geological events like these ones then intense magnetic explosions from the Sun during its high activity period will be so devastating and trigger the biggest earthquakes and volcanic eruptions ever recorded. The reason is mainly due to the overall weakness of the Earth’s magnetic field. And, some spots are declining further than the average value, like over the Southern Atlantic Ocean. Besides that the magnetic radiation coming from the Sun is more intense than what used to be. The Sun has changed but of course those who love the taxpayers’ money disagree