Panic on Sumatra: Earth's earthquake 6.3 shakes Bengkulu!

Panic on Sumatra: Earth's earthquake 6.3 shakes Bengkulu!

In the early morning of May 23, 2025, the Indonesian province of Bengkulu on Sumatra was shaken by a severe earthquake of thickness 6.3. The quake occurred around 3 p.m. local time and had its epicenter about 40 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital Bengkulu, which has around 400,000 inhabitants. According to the German Geo -Research Institute (GFZ), the magnitude of the quake was registered with 5.8, while the depth of the earthquake was only ten kilometers. Despite the strength of the earthquake, however, no tsunami warning was issued, which should calm down many residents.

The first reports of damage show that at least 34 buildings have been severely damaged, but there is still no official information about injuries or fatalities. A Kompas TV journalist reported that several buildings in the region are affected. The authorities advise the residents for caution and warn of possible aftershocks that could occur in the coming hours.

seismic activity in the region

Indonesia lies in the Pacific fire ring, a geologically active zone that is known for its high seismic activity. Historical earthquakes, such as the devastating underwater quake of the strength 9.1 on December 26, 2004 before Sumatra, triggered catastrophic tsunamis in the past and demanded about 230,000 lives. According to this current quake, the authorities are vigilant and observe the situation exactly in order to be able to react quickly to changes.

In the last 48 hours, a total of 51 earthquakes have been registered in Indonesia, which illustrates the seismic activity in this region. The statistics show that Indonesia experiences an average of around 9,200 earthquakes annually, with strong quake that are classified with a magnitude of 6 or higher, about 16.1 times a year. The increase in such earthquakes in the region illustrates the geological conditions and challenges with which the population is confronted.

The current events are still being followed closely, while the authorities encourage people in Bengkulu to remain attentive and to prepare in the event of further seismic activities.