Sumatra Earthquake

Sumatra is often a vulnerable target for earthquakes because of their location along the Pacific Ocean fault lines. The island is also a frequent potential target for tsunamis as well.

An earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Sumatra on March 5, 2010. The quake struck just past 11 p.m. local time and and the magnitude was a 6.5, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/03/05/indonesia.earthquake/index.html?hpt=T2

On March 5, 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck 215 miles south of Padang, the third largest city in Sumatra. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue any official warning following the quake, but indicated there might be the possibility of a local tsunamihttp://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/03/05/indonesia.earthquake/index.html?hpt=T2

On September 30, 2009, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the island nation and caused widespread damage, including the collapse of a hospital near the epicenter of the quake.http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE58T39720090930 Initial reports placed the death toll at 75 persons. Less than 24 hours later, another quake measuring 7.0 magnitude was recorded there as well.

The location of the initial earthquake was placed as being centered 30 miles from Padang.

On March 28, 2005, an 8.6 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the west coast of northern Sumatra. 1300 people were reportedly killed by the earthquake, and was thought to be the second most powerful earthquake in that area since 1965.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_Sumatran_Earthquake

On December 26, 2004, the island country suffered it's most tramatic and deadliest earthquake event in their history when a 9.2 magnitude earthquake occurred in the Indian ocean. This led to a tsunami that was nearly 15 meters high and led to over 170,000 deaths.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumatra#History