KRABI — A magnitude 6.8 earthquake in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, was felt across several southern Thai provinces, including Krabi, where cracks were found in several concrete houses built on hillsides. Authorities are investigating whether the cracks were caused by the earthquake, with no damage officially reported so far.
On 16 August, Krabi Provincial Public Relations Office chief Pathompong Kaewbandit said the Meteorological Department had reported an earthquake in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, at 17:54 on 15 August.
The 6.8-magnitude quake was reportedly felt by residents in Songkhla, Trang, Krabi, Phuket and Satun provinces.
The tremor did not meet the criteria for a Cell Broadcast alert, officials said.
In Krabi, the shaking was felt mainly in high-rise buildings, including Krabi Hospital and hotels in Ao Nang and Nong Thale subdistricts in Mueang Krabi district. No damage had been reported at the time of the statement.
Somsak Teppabut, village headman of Moo 3, Koh Kwang-Laem Pong in Nong Thale subdistrict, said he had begun inspecting homes in the area.
Several concrete houses built on elevated ground in Laem Pong were found to have cracks in multiple locations. Officials are now examining the buildings to determine whether the cracks were caused by the latest earthquake.
Meanwhile, Thirasak Thongmat, head of the Krabi Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), said the National Disaster Warning Center had ordered authorities to closely monitor earthquake activity around the clock.
Provincial authorities are coordinating with local administrative organizations and relevant agencies to inspect areas and high-rise buildings where residents reported feeling the tremors, while ensuring public safety and reassuring residents.
