Magnitude 6.1, 5.9 quakes strike Indonesia's Sumba, Aceh

JAKARTA: Two earthquakes measuring 6.1 and 5.9 in magnitude struck Indonesia's Sumba Island and Aceh province respectively this morning, with tremors felt across several areas.

The country's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said the magnitude 6.1 quake struck at 5.55am local time, with its epicentre at sea, about 14 kilometres southwest of Kodi in Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara province, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

According to data published on its website, the tremors were strongly felt in West Sumba and West Manggarai, with shaking also reported in East Sumba and Manggarai.

About 42 minutes later, the agency said the magnitude 5.9 quake struck at 6.37am, with its epicentre at sea, about 68 kilometres southwest of Calang in Aceh province at a depth of 26 kilometres.

BMKG said tremors from the second quake were felt in several parts of Aceh, including Aceh Besar, Banda Aceh, West Aceh, South Aceh, Pidie Jaya, Bener Meriah, Nagan Raya and Central Aceh.

The agency advised residents in the affected areas to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from either earthquake. — BERNAMA