Jakarta: A powerful magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra in western Indonesia on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The quake hit Simeulue island at 11:56 am (0456 GMT) at a depth of 25 kilometres, according to USGS data. There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties from the earthquake.

Meanwhile, the death toll from floods and landslides across Sumatra continues to climb. A rescue official said Thursday that 19 people have died, with dozens still missing as search operations intensify.

Extreme weather has battered North Sumatra for several days, inundating multiple districts and triggering widespread landslides. Indonesia’s annual monsoon season, typically from June to September, often brings heavy rainfall, heightening risks of flash floods, landslides and waterborne diseases.

Officials have warned that climate change is altering storm patterns, increasing the intensity and duration of seasonal rains, and contributing to heavier downpours, severe flooding and stronger winds.

Earlier this month, at least 38 people were killed in Central Java after landslides triggered by relentless rainfall, while around 13 others remain missing.