Aceh, Indonesia Sentinel — A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck South Aceh, Indonesia, on Friday (January 31, 2025), according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
According to report from BMKG the quake occurred at 6:03 p.m. local time, with the epicenter located in the sea, 36 kilometers southwest of South Aceh Regency, at a depth of 29 kilometers. BMKG confirmed that the quake, which occurred at a depth of 29 kilometers, posed no tsunami threat.
The tremor was felt in South Aceh and Simeulue regencies at intensity level IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, meaning it was strongly perceived indoors by many people.
Meanwhile, in Banda Aceh, Dolok Sanggul, Humbahas, Kutacane, Sigli, Aceh Besar, Aceh Jaya, Gayo Lues, East Aceh, and Central Aceh, the quake was recorded at intensity level III MMI, where shaking was noticeably felt indoors and resembled the movement of a passing truck.
The tremor was also felt in Medan and Gunungsitoli at a weaker intensity of level II MMI.
BMKG later revised the earthquake’s magnitude from 6.2 to 5.9.
The agency explained that the quake was triggered by rock deformation within the Indo-Australian Plate as it subducts beneath Sumatra Island. The mechanism of the fault movement was identified as oblique-normal, indicating a combination of horizontal and downward displacement.
The earthquake primarily affected the southwestern coastal areas of Aceh, with its epicenter located 28 kilometers southwest of Tapaktuan, the capital of South Aceh Regency.
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Aftershocks Recorded
As of 6:35 p.m. local time, BMKG recorded three aftershocks, with the strongest measuring a magnitude of 3.8 at 6:17 p.m.
BMKG meteorologist Zikri, from the Meulaboh-Nagan Raya station, stated that aftershocks are expected but are likely to weaken over time. “Aftershocks are possible, but they are expected to diminish in strength,” he told, as reported by Antara.
Authorities have urged residents along the southwestern coast of Aceh to remain calm and stay updated with information from official BMKG sources.
(Raidi/Agung)
