18 Jul 2024 | 04:24 PM UTC
Indonesia: Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake in the Indian Ocean around 22:01 July 18
Magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurs southwest of Sumatra, Indonesia, at around 22:01 July 18. No initial reports of damage or injuries.
A magnitude-5.3 offshore earthquake occurred near Bengkulu at around 22:01 on July 18. The epicenter was about 211 km (131 miles) southwest of Bengkulu. The tremor occurred at a depth of about 10 km (6 miles), with light shaking likely across Bengkulu and 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 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, 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.
