TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A tectonic earthquake struck the northeast region of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 18:21 WIB. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded the tremor at a magnitude of 5.4, revised from an initial estimate of 5.7.
The epicenter was located at sea, approximately 43 kilometers southeast of Tua Pejat, at coordinates 2.12 degrees South Latitude and 99.97 degrees East Longitude. At a depth of 40 kilometers, the earthquake is classified as a shallow event.
Rahmat Triyono, the acting Director of Earthquake and Tsunami at BMKG, stated that the tremor was triggered by subduction activity of tectonic plates within the megathrust zone. "The analysis of the source mechanism indicates an upward movement or thrust fault," he noted in a written statement.
The tremors were felt across a wide area. In Padang, Padang Pariaman Regency, and Pariaman City, the intensity reached III-IV MMI, a level generally felt by many people inside buildings. "Meanwhile, in Solok Regency and Solok City, the intensity was recorded at II-III MMI, where it was clearly felt indoors," Rahmat said.
In several other areas, including Bukittinggi, Padang Panjang, Payakumbuh, Sijunjung, Dharmasraya, and South Solok, the earthquake was felt at a scale of II MMI. At this level, the vibration is typically only noticed by a few people and causes light objects to shake.
Rahmat confirmed that the earthquake did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami. As of 18:43 WIB, no aftershocks had been detected. "The public is advised to remain calm and avoid being influenced by unverifiable information," he said.
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