M 6.2 Earthquake Strikes South Aceh, No Tsunami Potential

News - South Aceh was rocked by a 6.2 magnitude earthquake on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 6:03 PM WIB. The earthquake was centered offshore, about 36 kilometers southwest of South Aceh, at a depth of 29 kilometers. Although the tremors were quite strong, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that this earthquake had no tsunami potential.

Impact of the Earthquake in South Aceh and Surrounding Areas

The tremors were felt by residents in various areas, including South Aceh, Tapaktuan, and parts of North Sumatra. Many people panicked and rushed out of their homes to avoid potential danger. Some initially thought they were just feeling dizzy but soon realized that an earthquake was occurring.

A resident of Tapaktuan stated, "At first, I thought I was feeling dizzy after playing soccer, but after seeing people running out of their houses, I realized it was an earthquake."

So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage caused by the earthquake. However, authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant for potential aftershocks.

Causes and Characteristics of the Earthquake

BMKG explained that the South Aceh earthquake was classified as a tectonic earthquake caused by the subduction activity of the Indo-Australian plate beneath the Eurasian plate. Aceh and its surrounding regions are known to be earthquake-prone areas due to their location on the world's tectonic plate convergence zones.

According to BMKG, this earthquake had a thrust fault mechanism, which often occurs in subduction zones. This fault causes a shift in the seabed plates but was not strong enough to trigger a tsunami.

Response and Emergency Measures

Following the earthquake, BMKG immediately issued a warning that the quake had no tsunami potential. However, the public was still advised to stay alert for possible aftershocks. Authorities and emergency response teams were also deployed to monitor the situation and ensure residents' safety.

The Regent of South Aceh, in a statement, urged the public to remain calm and follow official information from BMKG and related authorities. "We are continuously coordinating with emergency response teams to ensure that there are no serious impacts from this earthquake," he said.

Safety Tips During an Earthquake

Since Aceh is an earthquake-prone region, residents are encouraged to always be prepared for such disasters. Here are some safety tips to follow:

1. Stay calm and find a safe place, such as under a sturdy table.

2. Avoid glass, cabinets, or heavy objects that could fall and cause injury.

3. If outdoors, stay away from tall buildings, power lines, and large trees.

4. If inside a vehicle, stop in a safe place and avoid bridges or tunnels.

5. Prepare an emergency bag containing medicines, snacks, a flashlight, and important documents.

Conclusion

The 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck South Aceh on January 31, 2025, caused panic but had no tsunami potential. So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant damage, although tremors were felt as far as North Sumatra.

The public is urged to stay alert for aftershocks and follow the authorities' directions. With proper preparedness, the impact of natural disasters like earthquakes can be minimized. Stay calm, remain alert, and do not trust unofficial information.