A minor magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck near NORTHERN SUMATRA, INDONESIA on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 12:39:47 AM UTC. This intermediate focal depth (218.0 km depth) released energy equivalent to approximately 4 tons of TNT. Here is the verified BMKG telemetry, live epicenter map, and ground shaking assessment.
3.6M
Minor Seismic Class
218.0km
Upper Mantle
0.520° N, 100.600° E
GPS Coordinates
4 tons
TNT Equivalent Power
BMKG
USGS Real-time Feed
A magnitude 3.6 event is classified as a minor earthquake. Often felt by people indoors, especially on upper floors. Hanging objects may swing slightly; structural damage is extremely rare.
Felt by almost no one except under extraordinarily favorable conditions.
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Earthquake strength is measured on a logarithmic scale. Compare this event with the full seismic scale:
Because seismic scales are logarithmic, each whole integer increase represents:
This archipelago is situated along the Sunda and Philippine megathrust subduction zones within the Pacific Ring of Fire. The Indo-Australian Plate converges northeastward beneath the Eurasian and Sunda plates, producing massive tectonic friction, deep oceanic trenches, and widespread volcanic arcs.
Originating at a depth of 218.0 km (Upper Mantle / Wadati-Benioff Zone (70–300 km)), this rupture occurred originated within the descending oceanic plate inside the upper mantle. shaking radiates over a wider geographic area with attenuated high frequencies.
Seismologists note that minor aftershocks remain common in the 24 to 48 hours following tremors of magnitude 3.6. According to statistical seismic models, there is roughly a 5% probability of a subsequent event of equal or greater strength occurring in the same fault zone. Residents in Indonesia are advised to check living spaces for unsecured items.
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