4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes West Sumatra: No Major Damage Reported

4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes West Sumatra: No Major Damage Reported

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra, on December 16, 2024, with no significant damage or tsunami risk reported.

Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck the region of Padang Pariaman in West Sumatra on Monday, December 16, 2024, at precisely 10:50 a.m. Jakarta Time, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 75 kilometers southwest of Pariaman City, at a depth of 44 kilometers. The coordinates of the epicenter were reported as 1.22 degrees south latitude and 99.73 degrees east longitude. The tremor, caused by the subduction of the Indo-Australian plate beneath the Eurasian plate, was classified as a shallow earthquake. BMKG’s head of the Earthquake and Tsunami Center, Daryono, indicated that the seismic activity exhibited a thrust fault mechanism. The tremor was felt across various areas, including Padang City, West Pasaman, Padang Pariaman, Agam, and Mentawai, with reports placing the intensity at III-IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale. Many residents reported feeling the quake indoors, while some felt the vibrations outside, with instances of pottery breaking and windows rattling. In other parts of the region, such as Padang Panjang, Bukittinggi, Solok, and South Solok, the earthquake was felt at a lesser intensity of II-III MMI, which felt similar to the vibrations caused by heavy trucks passing nearby. Fortunately, as of 11:10 a.m., no significant damage has been reported and BMKG confirmed that there were no aftershocks or any potential for a tsunami following the earthquake. The agency has urged residents to remain calm in the aftermath of the tremor and to disregard any unverified information that may circulate regarding the event. In light of the earthquake, BMKG also advised people to steer clear of damaged structures and to ensure their homes are safe before reentering. Residents are reminded of the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters, and BMKG continues to monitor the situation closely while providing updates and reassurances to the public.

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