The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a strong earthquake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale occurred off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, triggering a brief tsunami warning.
Residents evacuating a building after an earthquake in Jakarta, Indonesia, last year. (Illustrative photo).
The tsunami warning has been lifted, and local authorities were immediately instructed to guide residents in the affected areas to evacuate from the coastline.
The earthquake struck at approximately 3 AM local time on April 25 at a depth of 84 km. BMKG data indicated that several aftershocks were recorded afterward, with a magnitude of about 4 on the Richter scale. Authorities are currently gathering data from islands closest to the epicenter off the western coast of Sumatra.
In Padang, the capital of West Sumatra, some people left the beaches, according to local resident Abdul. “People are leaving their homes. Some are panicking but are being reassured. Currently, some of them are leaving the beach,” he said, adding that he had not seen any damage so far.
Videos shared by local media showed some Padang residents evacuating by motorcycle and walking to higher ground, with some carrying backpacks while others gathered under umbrellas to avoid the rain.
“On Siberut Island, people have been evacuated. They are advised to stay in the evacuation area until the tsunami warning is lifted,” a local official told TvOne.
Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes due to its location on the “Pacific Ring of Fire”. This region is known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that encircle the Pacific Basin. Approximately 71% of the world’s strongest earthquakes occur within this ring of fire.
