A powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island early Thursday morning, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The region has already been struggling with severe floods and landslides triggered by days of heavy rainfall.
The quake occurred at 4:56 a.m. local time at a depth of 25.4 kilometers (15.7 miles). Its epicenter was located 45 kilometers (27.9 miles) west-northwest of Sinabang, a town on the eastern coast of Simeulue Island.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency later reported on platform X that the tremor registered at 6.3 on the Richter scale. Despite the strong shaking, no tsunami warning was issued.
Authorities reported no immediate damage or casualties at the time this information was released.
The earthquake comes as Sumatra reels from a series of deadly natural disasters. At least 32 people have been confirmed dead following massive floods and landslides across the island, local broadcaster Kompas TV reported on Thursday.
