Earthquake sparks fresh tsunami panic

A STRONG earthquake rattled Indonesia’s Sumatra island today, causing residents to flee to higher ground fearing a possible tsunami. There were no reports of casualties or damage caused by the 6.9 magnitude quake.

The Indonesian Meteorological and Geophysical Agency in Jakarta said the epicentre was about 30 miles north-west of the West Sumatra city of Padang.

The quake also was felt in Nias island, which was hit by an 8.7 magnitude quake on March 28 that killed hundreds of residents.

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"There is no tsunami due to the quake because it was a deep one under the sea," said seismologist Rinto Madjiono. "But the shake was felt quite strongly in Padang and Nias although there is no report of damage."

Indonesia has been hit by daily aftershocks since the massive earthquake on Boxing Day that led to a devastating tsunami.

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