September 29, 1837 Earthquake: Banda Atjeh, Indonesia

Reference #414:

1837, end of September, no date, 5.5 N, 96 E, magnitude 7.25. Penang Island and the northwestern coast of Sumatra. Penang. The earthquake which occurred here two weeks ago was felt at the same time, with very great force, at Atjeh [and] along the entire coast of Pidie. In fact, a skipper, arriving on Wednesday, October 4th, brought stories about several eruptions [this refers to the eruptions of Peuetsagu Volcano] and earthquakes, occurring at Lhokseumawe and other places, especially at Banda Atjeh, where, according to the stories, an earthquake lasted seven days and did considerable damage (apparently at the end of September). There was a strong tidal wave at Singapore.

Reference #7995:

The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Thursday 21 June 1838, India News - Earthquake at Penang.-About a quarter after two o'clock on Saturday last, the inhabitants of George Town were thrown into a state of consternation by the unusual occurrence of an earthquake on this island. The first shock, apparently from east to west, was very gentle, but it was followed about three minutes afterwards by a smart undulation which lasted full a minute and a half. No signs preceded this phenomenon; some rain had fallen during the morning, and long before and subsequent to the shocks the atmosphere was clear and the weather pleasant.-Immediately previous, however, to the commencement of the earthquake, many persons are stated to have felt a sort of stupor and giddiness; several head of cattle which were grazing in a plain near the reservoir on the north beach were observed running in the utmost confusion in all directions; lamps and pictures oscillated and clocks stopped in many houses; the Roman Catholic Church bell rang of its own accord, and quantities of large shot piled up in Fort Cornwallis were thrown down and scattered about. The harbour did not appear to be agitated, and we are informed none of the shipping felt the shocks. With the exception of some slight rents in the Police and Land Offices, and a dwelling house on the north beach, we hear of no damage to any building-On the following Sunday, four other shocks were distinctly felt at several intervals, but they were very slight. A rather smart one is stated to have occurred between three and four o'clock yesterday morning and at day light, we could not help observing the unusual and great agitation and rise of the sea in the harbour, commencing with a very heavy squall from the northwest, which lasted upwards of an hour, and in which a pleasure boat belonging to the Officers of the 12th Regiment was driven from her anchors and went to pieces on the north beach.-P. W. Island Gazette, September 30.

Reference #1186:

1837. Singapore: An earth tremor was felt in Singapore. A large wave broke on the sea-shore at Teluk-Ayer.

Penang: It occurred at mid-day. It was described as a severe tremor and caused considerable alarm. The European inhabitants rushed out of their counting house to evade the impending danger. It was said that the earth absolutely shook in disarray at the Commissioner's outpost.

Reference #1879:

1837, end of September. Penang and Acheen in the East Indies. The shocks lasted for seven days. Volcanic eruptions took place in the neighborhood of Acheen.