Strong M6.4 earthquake hits Sumatra, Indonesia
Image credit: TW/SAM, Google
A strong earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.4 hit Sumatra, Indonesia at 14:59 UTC on April 3, 2023. The agency is reporting a depth of 102 km (63.4 miles). USGS is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 84.5 km (52.5 miles). EMSC is reporting M6.1 at a depth of 95 km (59 miles).
The epicenter was located 73 km (45.3 miles) SW of Padangsidempuan (population 100 561), 95.4 km (59.3 miles) S of Sibolga (population 79 714), and 164.4 km (102.2 miles) SW of Bandar (population 31 442), North Sumatra, Indonesia.
116 000 people are estimated to have felt moderate shaking and 8 147 000 light.
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
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