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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:47 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A strong earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale struck Indonesia’s Sumatra island early Thursday, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor hit at 4:56 am (local time) at a depth of 25.4 km, with its epicentre located about 45 km west-northwest of Sinabang on Simeulue Island.
Authorities confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage. The quake’s intensity was felt across parts of Aceh province, but officials say the situation remains under control.
Tsunami Warning Centre, @ESSO_INCOIS detected an #earthquake of M 6.5 on 27 November 2025 at 10:26 IST (at 04:56 UTC) @ Northern Sumatra, Indonesia (Location: 2.89 N, 96.10 E).Based on the numerical simulations and sea level observations, NO TSUNAMI THREAT to India with this EQ. pic.twitter.com/xJYk26U6zz
— INCOIS, MoES (@ESSO_INCOIS) November 27, 2025
Region Already Battling Deadly Floods, Landslides
The earthquake struck at a time when Indonesia is already grappling with a series of severe weather-related disasters. Torrential rains have triggered floods and landslides across North Sumatra province, leaving at least 28 people dead by Thursday. Rescue operations have been severely affected by a “total cut-off” of roads and communications, according to local authorities.
The country’s meteorological agency reported that a rare tropical cyclone passed over Sumatra earlier this week, causing heavy rainfall that inundated parts of the Malacca Strait region. Large areas of Southeast Asia are currently dealing with similar flooding caused by unusual monsoon patterns and intensified storms.
Casualties Rise As Rescue Efforts Continue
Officials from the Provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency confirmed that 29 people have died so far due to the flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra. The number is expected to rise as rescuers reach more areas cut off by debris and rising water levels.
At least 67 people have been injured, with many requiring hospital treatment for trauma, fractures, and weather-related complications. Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families, and aid agencies are distributing food and clean water in the worst-hit districts.
Nine People Still Missing
The National Search and Rescue Agency reported that nine people remain missing following the deadly natural disasters. Search teams, including trained dogs and volunteers, are combing through rubble and flood-hit villages to locate survivors. The difficult terrain and continuous rain have slowed progress.