The major slip events on the subduction zone interface are typically of megathrust type.

Historically, great or giant megathrust earthquakes have been recorded in 1797, 1833, 1861, 2004, 2005 and 2007, most of them being associated with devastating tsunamis.

[2] The greatest effects were felt on the island of Simeulue, where 994 buildings were damaged, three people died and 65 were injured.

The earthquake was also felt at Tapaktuan (VI (Strong)), Meulaboh and Singkil (V (Moderate)) in the Aceh province of Sumatra.

From its proximity to the epicenter of the 2004 earthquake, it is regarded as a foreshock of that event.