Strong and shallow M6.2 earthquake, numerous aftershocks hit West Sumatra, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.2 hit northern Sumatra, Indonesia at 01:39 UTC on February 25, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 12.3 km (7.6 miles). EMSC and BMKG are reporting M6.2 at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). At least 2 people have been killed and 20 others injured.

The epicenter was located 67 km (42 miles) NNW of Bukittinggi (population 98 746), 77 km (48 miles) NW of Payakumbuh (population 121 572), and 134 km (84 miles) NNW of Padang (population 840 352), West Sumatra, Indonesia.

6 000 people are estimated to have felt very strong shaking, 199 0000 strong, 1 560 000 moderate, and 8 969 000 light.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

Numerous aftershocks were registered with magnitudes up to 4.8 (EMSC).

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 informal (metal, timber, GI etc.) and heavy wood frame construction.

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

Image credit: TW/SAM, Google

According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, at least 2 people were killed in West Pasaman and 20 others injured.

Hamsuardi, the West Pasaman district head, said Friday's earthquake caused damage to dozens of houses and buildings, including his office. Authorities are still collecting information about the full scale of damage in the affected areas. (DailyMail)

Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking

Selected cities exposed

Featured image credit: TW/SAM, Google