Jakarta, 15 August (H.S.): A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Indonesia’s western Sumatra island late Saturday, hours after a powerful earthquake hit the country’s eastern region, leaving at least 40 people dead and triggering a major rescue operation.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the latest earthquake was centred near Pematangsiantar, about 126 kilometres (78 miles) southeast of Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. The quake occurred at a depth of around 183 kilometres.

No tsunami warning was issued following the latest earthquake, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage linked to the tremor.

The earthquake was the second major tremor to strike Indonesia within a single day, raising concerns among residents and emergency authorities already dealing with the aftermath of the earlier disaster.

The earlier earthquake struck eastern Indonesia and caused widespread damage, with at least 40 people reported dead. Several others were injured, while residents in affected areas were forced to evacuate as authorities assessed damaged buildings and infrastructure.

Rescue teams have been working to reach affected communities, with damaged roads and difficult terrain complicating relief operations. Authorities have also been assessing the structural safety of buildings and monitoring the situation for further seismic activity.

Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone where several tectonic plates meet and generate frequent seismic activity.

Officials continued monitoring the situation across the country as emergency teams assessed the impact of the earlier earthquake and remained on alert following the latest tremor.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar