TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck Mandailing Natal District in North Sumatra this morning at 08:35 Indonesian Western Time. Fortunately, there are no signs of a potential tsunami.

According to Daryono, Head of The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) earthquakes and tsunami early-warning, the epicenter of the earthquake is from the Indian Ocean that is west of Mandailing Natal District.

Specifically, the epicenter was at the 0.91 north latitude and 98.63 east longitude. “More specifically, it is in the ocean 37 kilometers southwest of SInkuang City, Mandailing Natal District at the depth of 98 kilometers,” said Daryono in a press release on Thursday, March 1.

The earthquake was felt at Aek Godong, Padang Sidempuan, Panyabungan, Sibuhuan, Gunung Tua, Sipirok, and Sibolga. It was recorded to be at the III-IV MMI scale. Meanwhile, in other surrounding areas such as Nias, Lubuk Basung, Pariaman, and Pasaman, the earthquake was recorded to be at the II MMI scale.

The cause of the earthquake was subduction activities of the Indo-Australia fault pressing under the Eurasia fault line and a deformation of rocks under its forearc basin. BMKG urge people to keep calm and not be provoked by irresponsible information that could spread among residents.

ANWAR SISWADI