Indonesia Earthquake Today: No Major Damage

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ACEH, INDONESIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Indonesia earthquake today struck off the coast of Aceh, the city in the north western part of the Indonesian archipelago. Measured at 7.7 in the Richter Scale, the earthquake triggered a tsunami alert, and had the residents of the coastal areas fleeing their homes in order to take refuge to higher ground. However, the alert was later lifted, and it was announced by the authorities that although there would possibly be a smaller wave hitting the coasts, it is not likely that a tsunami would come crashing. Thankfully, not much damage has been recorded, and no loss of lives.

According to the Geological Survey of the United States, the Indonesia earthquake today had its epicenter about 204 kms off Sibolga, which is located on the coast of Sumatra. It had originated at a depth of 48 kms, approximately. A tsunami alert was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, not only in the coastal areas of the islands, but also in the neighboring countries of Thailand and Malaysia. However, the warning got lifted soon after, and people who had been evacuated were assured that they could return.

Needless to say, the Indonesia earthquake today generated widespread panic among the residents of the area. However, compared to the intensity of the quake, the damage was minimal. There have been only twelve reports of injuries so far, and no major damage to buildings and property has been incurred either. There were power outages in the cities of Banda Aceh and Medan. Three aftershocks occurred, of which one was pretty strong at 5.1 on the seismograph.