Strong M6.9 earthquake strikes near Pematangsiantar, Indonesia on August 15, 2026

A strong M6.9 earthquake was registered at 10:54 UTC on August 15, 2026, approximately 7 km (4 miles) north-northwest of Pematangsiantar, Indonesia. The event took place at a depth of 183.2 km (113.9 miles).

The coordinates for the earthquake were given as 99.0°E, 3.0°N, placing it in the interior of Sumatra, Indonesia, close to the city of Pematangsiantar. This area is known for its proximity to the tectonically active region of western Indonesia, which regularly experiences significant seismic activity.

Inland Sumatra hosts a variety of infrastructure including major highways, railway lines, and urban centers, as well as critical lifelines such as power networks and airports. Given the earthquake’s proximity to Pematangsiantar, regional transport and energy infrastructure may be present.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

The maximum estimated intensity reached V. One felt report was submitted. The significance index is 733 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Sumatra lies along the boundary of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates and is traversed by the active Sumatran fault system, accounting for frequent seismic activity in the region.

This information was last updated at 11:18 UTC on August 15, 2026.