M6.0 earthquake hits southern Sumatra, Indonesia

A strong earthquake registered by the USGS as M6.0 hit southern Sumatra, Indonesia at 14:31 UTC on August 23, 2022. The agency is reporting a depth of 58.8 km (36.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 60 km (37 miles).

The epicenter was located about 118 km (73.3 miles) S of Pagar Alam and 148.8 km (92.5 miles) SSW of Tanjungagung, South Sumatra, Indonesia.

30 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 3 475 000 light.

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: TW/SAM, Google