6.8-magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia's Northern Sumatra hours after 7.7 tremor

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia, a day after a deadly 7.7-magnitude quake in the region. The latest tremor occurred at a depth of 158 km, with authorities continuing to monitor the situation.This marks the second consecutive day of earthquake in Indonesia. (Credits: PTI)A strong earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia, on Saturday, according to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). GFZ also mentioned that the quake originated at a depth of 175 km. (Credits: GFZ) The latest earthquake came hours after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early on Saturday, killing at least 38 people. The shallow quake, which struck at a depth of 15 km, triggered dozens of aftershocks and prompted a tsunami warning that was lifted about three hours later.Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) said tsunami waves of less than one metre were recorded in several areas following the earthquake.RESIDENTS FORCED TO EVACUATEThe powerful tremor caused landslides, power outages and communication disruptions, while rescue teams struggled to reach some of the worst-hit areas after roads were blocked by debris. Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency said around 2,000 residents were forced to evacuate to temporary shelters.Rescue teams were also searching for two villagers believed to be buried in a landslide triggered by the earthquake. Videos shared on social media showed collapsed buildings, dust clouds and people rushing out of their homes as strong tremors shook the region. (Credits: Reuters) Residents described scenes of panic as the powerful earthquake struck. "The quake was massive. The shaking was so strong. We were at home with our family," Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura, told Reuters. "There were 13 of us inside the house, and we all ran to save ourselves," she said.EARTHQUAKE CAUSE DETECTEDIn a post on X, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) said the recent earthquake was due to plate subduction with an oblique normal fault mechanism.#Gempa (UPDATE) Mag:6.4, 15-Agu-26 17:54:52 WIB, Lok:2.97 LU, 98.95 BT (Pusat gempa berada di darat 20 km Tenggara SIMALUNGUN), Kedlmn:163 Km Dirasakan (MMI) IV Sibolga, Aceh Selatan, III-IV Nagan Raya, III Simeulue, III Banda Aceh, III Aceh Barat, III Paadang Sidempuan, III pic.twitter.com/ZxfpiVcbEs— BMKG (@infoBMKG) August 15, 2026It added that the quake had no tsunami potential and was felt as far as West Sumatra and Padang.- EndsPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 17:07 IST