A quake measuring around 8.6 on the richter scale struck Indonesia this morning, kicking off a round of tremors and causing officials to issue a tsunami warning. The strong quake–which lasted for more than a minute–was felt in Thailand and Singapore, as well.
Although there were no signs of an impending tsunami, residents were urged to move to higher ground as a precaution and several fishermen were called in to land. The quake sent panic through those affected as memories of the devastating tsunami disaster in 2004, which claimed over 230,000 lives in 13 different countries, no doubt became fresh in their minds again. The magnitude of that quake was 9.1. Recent news reports say the tsunami warning has been called off, but officials are urging residents to be cautious and are continuing with evacuations.
Early reports say that phone lines are down, traffic jams are clogging the streets as people move to safer ground, and the power is out for thousands. There are no reports of major damage so far, although Oxfam International tweeted that they were at the ready for anyone who needed assistance.
Oxfam is there: We’re in touch w/our staff & partners in #Indonesia & #Thailand about the #earthquake; more info as we get it.
#Tanzania issues #tsunami warning along coastline http://t.co/sniBXWeX 1000s have evacuated 2 higher grnd in Andaman Islands #India
Waves expected to reach Andaman Islands w/in 1 hr; reports of a #tsunami warning issued for South Africa #Indonesia #earthquake
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