Mentawai Earthquake and Tsunami: BMKG Issues Early Warning for North Sumatra

Jakarta –

BMKG reported an impact tsunami earthquake magnitude 6.6 Mentawai, West Sumatra. Tsunami observed as high as 11 cm in South Nias, North Sumatra.

“A tsunami was observed of 11 cm, from tide gauge data from Tanah Bala Station, South Nias,” said the Head of the BMKG Earthquake and Tsunami Center Daryono as quoted by Antara. BetweenTuesday (25/4/2023).

The current Mentawai earthquake strength has been updated to a magnitude of 6.9. Daryono revealed that the Mentawai earthquake was a megathrust event.

The earthquake was felt in Siberut, Mentawai, Pasaman Barat, Padang Pariaman, Agam, Padang Gunung Sitoli, Padang Panjang, Pesisir Selatan, Fifty Cities, Solok Selatan, Solok, Bukittinggi, Padang Sidempuan, Labuhan Batu.

BMKG issued a tsunami early warning for North Sumatra, at 03.00 WIB. The epicenter of the earthquake was at 0.93 South Latitude, 98.39 East Longitude, 177 Km Northwest of the Mentawai Islands with a depth of 84 km.

BMKG warns to be vigilant for the Tanabala Island area, South Nias Regency, North Sumatra. Wave arrival times may vary. The first wave may not be the biggest.

(rfs/rfs)