A strong, 6,9-magnitude quake sparked panic in Indonesia’s western Sumatra on Sunday but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, the country’s geophysics agency said.
The epicentre of the quake, which struck at 2.38pm (07.38GMT), was located 43km southeast of Siberut island off western Sumatra.
It was measured at a depth of 32km.
The agency’s technical chief Suharjono said no damage or injuries had yet been reported.
”We are still trying to get information of the situation there as communication is difficult. People panicked in nearby cities, in Padang and Sibolga in Sumatra,” he added.
”Siberut is not as developed as big cities but at such magnitude, brick houses without strong foundation could collapse. We’re still trying to contact our officials there,” Suharjono said.
Strong tremors could be felt for 10 minutes in Padang city on the western coast of Sumatra, said south Padang city police official Andreas.
”Everyone panicked and ran out of their houses. But the situation is calmer now and people have gone back into their homes,” he added.
Police in the field were monitoring the situation but ”so far, there’s no report of damage or casualty yet,” Andreas said.
Indonesia sits on the Pacific ”Ring of Fire,” where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity. –AFP
