A powerful earthquake struck western Indonesia on Wednesday, alarming residents, the U.S. geological survey and witnesses said.
The quake, which had a preliminary magnitude of 7.6, struck off the western coast of Sumatra island close to Simeulue island, the survey said in a posting on its Web site.
There was an immediate tsunami warning issued, possibly because the quake was deep under the sea bed.
Several callers told local radio station el-Shinta that the quake was felt strongly on Sumatra, but there was no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Tremors can be felt in Banda Acheh, Medan, Sibolga, Northern Peninsular Malaysia (Penang) and Kuala Lumpur. There is a tsunami alert being issued. For other readings, go to BBC News.
By the way, there's also a moderate earthquake in Philippines.
During the first day of Chinese New Year, I read about the prediction for the year of rat. It is said that there will be many earthquakes and tsunami. Let's just pray that there will be no major events going to happen in 2008.
(Citation from The China Post)
Updates: Officials said the powerful earthquake killed three people and injuring 25 others (source The Canadian Press).
