Indonesia: Magnitude-6.0 offshore earthquake off central Sumatra Island, at around 06:58 WIB April 20

Event

A magnitude-6.0 offshore earthquake occurred near central Sumatra, Indonesia, at around 05:58 WIB April 20. The epicenter was 255 km (158 miles) south of Sinabang. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles). Weak shaking was probably felt through Northern Sumatra Province and Mentawai Islands Regency. Weak-to-light shaking likely occurred in northern parts of West Sumatra Province. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake; significant damage is unlikely. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Light aftershocks are possible over the coming days.

Officials may temporarily shut down transportation infrastructure in the tremor zone to check for damage. Minor disruptions could occur during shutdowns, but service will likely resume quickly if no damage is found. Utility outages are possible, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

Advice

Plan accordingly for aftershocks. Consider vacating multistory buildings if operating in affected areas until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Allow additional time for air and road travel, as aftershocks may prompt brief disruptions. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving in hilly areas in the affected region due to potential landslides.