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04 Mar 2024 | 03:19 AM UTC

Indonesia: Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs off Bengkulu Province, southern Sumatra, at around 09:48 March 4

Magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurs off Bengkulu Province, Indonesia, at around 09:48 March 4. No initial reports of damage.

Informational

A magnitude-5.5 offshore earthquake occurred in the Indian Ocean off southern Sumatra Island at around 09:48 March 4. The epicenter was about 223 km (138 miles) south of Bengkulu city, Bengkulu Province. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), and light shaking was probably felt across most of Bengkulu Province and parts of western Lampung and southwestern South Sumatra provinces. There have been no initial reports of damage or casualties as a result of the earthquake. It could take several hours until authorities can conduct comprehensive damage assessments, especially in remote areas. Aftershocks are possible 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, particularly near the earthquake's epicenter.

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