Western Indonesia was struck by a powerful 6.6 magnitude earthquake, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). This seismic event adds to the ongoing natural calamities in the region, where northern areas are already reeling from the devastating impacts of floods and a tropical cyclone. The recent earthquake occurred amidst a backdrop of severe weather conditions that have claimed at least 28 lives in North Sumatra province due to landslides and flooding caused by relentless heavy rains. Rescue operations are significantly hindered by the complete disruption of road access and communication networks, as described by local officials. Earlier in the week, a rare tropical cyclone swept across Sumatra, exacerbating the situation by flooding the Malacca Strait and triggering further landslides. This series of natural disasters has left large parts of Southeast Asia struggling with the aftermath of deadly floods. Just days prior, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake had already shaken the eastern part of Indonesia, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such frequent and intense geological and meteorological events.