A powerful earthquake measuring 6.6 struck Indonesia’s Sumatra island near Aceh province on Thursday, adding to the string of natural disasters already battering the region.
The United States Geological Survey reported that the tremor hit Simeulue Island at a depth of 25 kilometres. Authorities confirmed there were no immediate reports of damage, and both the USGS and the Indian Ocean tsunami warning center stated there was no risk of a tsunami following the quake, AFP reports.
The disaster comes as North Sumatra reels from deadly floods and landslides caused by relentless rainfall, which have already claimed 28 lives.
On Wednesday, the rare tropical cyclone ‘Senyar’ swept across Sumatra, flooding parts of the Malacca Strait and worsening conditions, according to the national meteorological agency. Rescue operations have been hampered by a complete breakdown of road access and communications, Reuters quoted officials as saying.
Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the disaster mitigation agency, added that ten people remain missing.
Around 8,000 residents have been evacuated in North Sumatra, with aid and supplies being airlifted by helicopter since landslide debris continues to block roads, Muhari said.
Authorities reported that floods have also hit West Sumatra and Aceh. The areas of Sibolga and Central Tapanuli were among the worst affected, said Yuyun Karseno of the agency’s North Sumatra division. “We still cannot reach or communicate with people in Sibolga and Central Tapanuli,” Yuyun explained.
The meteorological agency warned that more flooding is likely in Aceh, Riau, and other provinces in the coming days due to extreme weather.
Footage released by Indonesia’s search and rescue agency showed fast-moving waters damaging buildings, while rescuers in orange rafts navigated submerged neighborhoods in Central Tapanuli, Reuters reports.
