7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes off Indonesia’s Sumatra island

A 7.1 magnitude earthquake occurred off Indonesia’s Sumatra island on April 24 and briefly triggered a tsunami warning, which was later lifted.

More specifically, the earthquake’s focus was at a depth of 15.5 km, 170 km southeast of Telum Dalam, and the event was followed by aftershocks of magnitude as strong as 5.8.

According to Abdul Muhari, spokesperson of the disaster agency, the earthquake was strongly felt by residents of West Sumatra province, including Padang, for about 30 seconds.

Overall, shaking was noted in parts of the West and North Sumatra provinces and evacuation orders were issued in some places, in fear of a tsunami occurring. People rushed to higher ground and, according to Abdul Muhari, many stayed even after the tsunami warning was lifted, about two hours after the event.