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11 May 2022 | 06:21 PM UTC

Indonesia: Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs near northern Sumatra at around 00:27 WIB May 12

Magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurs near northern Sumatra, Indonesia, at 00:27 WIB May 12. No immediate reports of damage or injuries.

Informational

Event

A magnitude-5.0 offshore earthquake occurred near northern Sumatra at around 00:27 WIB May 12. The epicenter was about 100 km (62 miles) south-southwest of Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 40 km (24 miles), and light shaking may have been felt in parts of northern Sumatra. 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. Aftershocks are likely over the coming days. The event has not prompted any tsunami advisories.

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 where shaking occurred.

Advice

Out of an abundance of caution, consider vacating multistory buildings where shaking occurred until authorities confirm their structural integrity. Monitor and plan for aftershocks.