Sumatra: An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4 struck North Sumatra, Indonesia on Sunday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). However, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage so far.
According to a report by the news agency ANI, the epicenter of the earthquake was at a depth of 54.2 kilometers below the Earth’s surface. There have been no reports of any physical harm or loss of life. It is worth mentioning that Indonesia, with a population of over 270 million, is located in the “Ring of Fire.”
The region is prone to frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. The Ring of Fire, also known as the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a path that stretches along the Pacific Ocean, characterized by active volcanoes and continuous seismic activities.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake took place 80km WSW of Banda Aceh, Indonesia at 14:09 UTC (10 minutes ago). The depth was 10km and was reported by GFZ. #earthquake #earthquakes #Gempa #Indonesia pic.twitter.com/lDFEDeCn1c
---Advertisement---— Earthquake Alerts (@QuakeAlerts) July 9, 2023
It spans approximately 40,000 kilometers in length and is about 500 kilometers wide, resembling the shape of a horse’s bridle. This belt contains around 75% of the world’s active volcanoes and is responsible for 90% of the planet’s earthquakes.
Indonesia, being situated within this geologically active region, experiences such natural phenomena on a regular basis. While this recent earthquake has not caused any major harm, the authorities continue to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of the local population.
Efforts are being made to enhance preparedness and response mechanisms to effectively deal with any future seismic events. The resilience and vigilance of the communities, along with timely information and alert systems, play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of natural disasters in the region.
Further updates will be provided as necessary to keep the public informed and to ensure the well-being of the affected areas. The government and relevant agencies remain committed to maintaining the safety and security of the population in the face of natural hazards.