Over 200 structures damaged after M6.0 earthquake hits Sumatra, Indonesia
A strong earthquake registered by the BMKG as M6.0 struck near the coast of Bengkulu Province, Sumatra, Indonesia, at 19:52 UTC on May 22, 2025, resulting in damage to at least 206 structures, including 140 homes, across several regencies.
Epicenter of M6.0 (BMKG) / M5.7 (USGS) earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia on May 22, 2025. Credit: TW/SAM, Google
An M6.0 earthquake struck Bengkulu Province, Sumatra, Indonesia, at 19:52 UTC on May 22 (02:52 local time on May 23). The epicenter was located 43 km (27 miles) southwest of Bengkulu City, at a depth of 84 km (52 miles).
The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) initially reported an M6.3, but later revised it to M6.0. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded it as M5.7 at a depth of 68 km (42 miles). Based on data provided by the USGS PAGER, about 97 000 people felt strong shaking, 509 000 moderate, and 2 856 000 light.
According to BMKG’s Kepahiang Geophysics Station, the earthquake was caused by intraslab deformation beneath the Earth’s crust. Tremors were felt across nearly the entire province, with Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) levels ranging from III to VI. There was no risk of a tsunami.
The earthquake caused structural damage to 206 structures, including 140 housing units, across Bengkulu City, Central Bengkulu Regency, North Bengkulu, and Seluma Regency.
“We have deployed teams to assess the affected areas, specifically in Betungan Village, at the Rafflesia Griya Asri residential complex. Of the 35 impacted homes, eight were severely damaged,” said Muslikun Sodik, head of the Bengkulu Basarnas Office.
Public infrastructure was also affected, including two schools, one mosque, one sub-district office, and one community meeting hall. Central Bengkulu Regency reported damage to one early childhood education facility (PAUD).
Some injuries were reported; however, no fatalities have been confirmed as of May 27.
The earthquake occurred along Sumatra’s seismically active western coast, which is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking
Selected cities exposed
Regional seismicity
References:
1 M 5.7 earthquake Sumatra, Indonesia – USGS – May 22, 2025
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