M6.2 earthquake hits off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake, registered by the USGS as M6.2, hit off the west coast of northern Sumatra at 20:52 UTC on September 23, 2022 (02:52 LT, September 24). The agency is reporting a depth of 48 km (30 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.2 at a depth of 30 km (18 miles). BMKG is reporting M6.4 at a depth of 22 km (13 miles).

The epicenter was located 40.3 km (25 miles) SSW of Meulaboh (population 35 062), and 154 km (96 miles) NNW of Sinabang (population 15 000), Aceh, Indonesia.

2 603 000 people are estimated to have felt weak shaking.

There is no tsunami threat from this earthquake.

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

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