Sumatra, Indonesia Earthquake

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Posting Date: November 4, 2002, 5:00:00 AM

A major earthquake struck near the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, on Saturday, November 2, 2002, at about 8:26 a.m. local time (01:26 UTC). The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the magnitude at 7.4 Mw, with a focal depth of about 5 miles (8 km). The quake was centered under the Indian Ocean about 175 miles (280 km) west-southwest of Medan, Sumatra, Indonesia, and 180 miles (290 km) south-southeast of Banda Aceh. Some of the most severe damage occurred at Simeule Island, about 47 miles (75 km) from the epicenter, where houses and other buildings were flattened. According to reports on Sunday, November 3, more than 5,000 people were left homeless by the quake. At least two people are reported dead and scores are reported injured. The earthquake was a thrust event located on the Sumatra subduction zone where the Indian, Australian, and Eurasian plates intersect. This intersection zone is a frequent site of large earthquakes. During the last 150 years, there have been at least four earthquakes in the vicinity with magnitudes greater than 7.0. In 1861 an event of magnitude 8.5 occurred within 124 miles (200 km) of the current quake. The largest known earthquake in this zone was a magnitude 9.0 event in 1833. AIR expects that insured losses from this event will be minimal.

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Posting Date: November 4, 2002, 5:00:00 AM