A strong earthquake shook parts of western Indonesia early Thursday, adding to the misery of communities already battling deadly floods and landslides across Sumatra.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the 6.6-magnitude tremor occurred at 4:56 a.m., centred offshore about 45 kilometres northwest of Sinabang on Simeulue Island, at a depth of just over 25 kilometres. Indonesia’s meteorological agency later provided a slightly lower estimate, placing the quake at magnitude 6.3.
Authorities said the quake did not trigger a tsunami warning, and initial checks revealed no injuries or structural damage.
The region has been reeling from days of intense rainfall that unleashed widespread flooding and landslides. As of Thursday, at least 32 people had been confirmed dead in disaster-hit areas of Sumatra, according to local broadcaster Kompas TV.
Officials are continuing to monitor the situation as aftershocks remain possible.
