A devastating 6.6-magnitude earthquake struck western Indonesia even as the region reels under massive floods and landslides, deepening the ongoing humanitarian crisis and overwhelming rescue operations.
The earthquake, centered near Simeulue Island off the western coast of Sumatra, sent strong tremors across Aceh and surrounding provinces. While initial assessments reported no major structural destruction from the quake itself, authorities warned that the timing of the seismic event has worsened an already critical situation.
In the past week, torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides that swept through villages, destroyed homes, and displaced thousands of residents. Roads remain blocked, bridges are damaged, and many areas are cut off as rescue teams struggle to reach isolated communities.
Disaster management officials reported rising death tolls from the floods and landslides, with several people still missing. Emergency shelters have been established, but heavy rainfall continues, raising fears of further ground collapse and new landslide threats.
The combination of extreme weather and seismic activity has highlighted Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly in the seismically active Sumatra region where earthquakes are frequent. With continuous rain forecasted, authorities remain on high alert as relief operations continue under difficult con
ditions.
