Tremors felt in Penang after 6.4-magnitude quake hits northern Sumatra

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck northern Sumatra, Indonesia, at 6:54pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). While tremors were reported along parts of Peninsular Malaysia's west coast, there was no immediate threat of a tsunami to Malaysia. The earthquake's epicenter was located on land, approximately 11km southeast of Simalungun, at a depth of 168km.

Indonesia's meteorology agency, BMKG, reported the event, which occurred hours after a 7.7-magnitude quake hit Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, followed by two significant aftershocks measuring 5.6 and 5.9, resulting in at least 38 deaths. The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received multiple reports of tremors in the state between 7:23pm and 7:27pm.

Teams were promptly deployed to monitor the situation in various locations, including the Barat Daya and Timur Laut districts, as well as Seberang Perai.