Tsunami fears after Indonesia quake
Updated on 12 September 2007
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 has struck off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island, triggering tsunami warnings.
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, the quake recorded a strike of 7.9 at 11.10 UTC which is just after 6pm local time. Tremors could be felt in Jakarta and other cities in the region.
There are fears that the quake is strong enough could cause a tsunami, according to an Indonesian meteorological agency official.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center bulletin:
"ORIGIN TIME - 1110Z 12 SEP 2007"
"COORDINATES - 4.5 SOUTH 101.3 EAST"
"LOCATION - SOUTHERN SUMATERA INDONESIA"
"MAGNITUDE - 7.9"
Indonesia's Global TV reported that several buildings in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra had collapsed, while Metro TV reported that some buildings had caught fire. There are reports of offices in Jakarta being evacuated after tremors were felt.
"After praying I felt the earthquake. I panicked, threw away my shoes and ran through the emergency exit," said Widyastuti, a 23-year-old IT worker in Jakarta who was in one of Bank Indonesia's offices in central Jakarta.
Warnings have also been sent by India's government to the Andaman Islands, and Mayalsia has urged people to stay away from beaches.
"We are asking people to stay away from beaches," science ministry spokeswoman Ainon Mohd told Reuters when asked about the quake near Indonesia's Sumatra island.
Indonesia suffers frequent earthquakes, lying on an active seismic belt on part of the so-called Pacific "Ring of Fire".
