One dead in North Sumatra earthquake

The damage incurred and the number of injured have yet to be determined, according to a statement by Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) spokesman Abdul Muhari.

A strong earthquake followed by an aftershock was felt for three to five seconds in several districts including North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan, Toba, Central Tapanuli, North Labuhan Batu and Medan.

Panicking residents in North Tapanuli, Humbang Hasundutan and Toba immediately left their homes in the dark because the electricity supply was cut off, he said.

He reminded residents not to place large-sized furniture and electronic devices on emergency routes to make it easier for them to leave their homes during an earthquake.

Coastal residents have been urged to move to higher ground if the earthquake lasts for more than 30 seconds to avoid the possibility of a tsunami. - BERNAMA