Indonesia: 7.9 magnitude earthquake, tsunami warning

(Baonghean.vn) - Indonesia has issued a tsunami warning for West Sumatra, North Sumatra and Aceh after a 7.9-magnitude earthquake shook the west coast of Sumatra island on the evening of March 2, the US Geological Survey said.

Indonesia has just issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake on March 2. Photo: dpa.

There is no exact information on casualties or damage. However, the epicenter of the earthquake was recorded at a depth of about 10 km. Experts say that earthquakes occurring close to the ground increase the possibility of causing damage.

The epicenter of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia on the evening of March 2. Photo: DW.

The recent earthquake occurred about 800 km from Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province. Indonesia is a country located in the middle of the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, a seismic zone known for its strong earthquakes.

“In addition to the current seismic hazards along the Sunda Arc, the area is also considered to contain one of the highest volcanic hazards in the world,” the US Geological Survey said in a statement following the announcement.

Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has also issued warnings for Cocos and Christmas islands, but has not advised evacuation.

The rubble left by the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in the country, which killed 230,000 people. Photo: Getty Images.

In 2004, a powerful earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered a devastating tsunami that killed 230,000 people in several countries, the majority of the victims identified as locals in Aceh province.

Thu Giang

(According to AFP, dpa)