Major earthquake 7.6 on the Richter scale strikes Indonesia

September 30th, 2009 - 10:07 pm ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt  

Sumatra, Sep 30 (THAINDIAN NEWS) It seems like earthquakes are out to out-do each other. Yesterday there was a major quake in the American island of Samoa and following on its heels, another one, which was 7.6 on the Richter scale, struck Indonesia.

Extensive damage has been reported. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake had a magnitude of 7.9. The effect of the quake is speculated to be a considerably massive one as some of the television networks of Indonesia have reported that several buildings have collapsed in the coastal city of Padang, situated at Southern Sumatra province. Sources revealed that the epicenter of the quake was 50 km off the coast, quite close to the city of Padang. Although initial reports suggest that several buildings have collapsed in the city of Padang, it is yet unclear that whether there have been any casualties or not.

According to Japan meteorological agency: ‘there is a possibility of a destructive regional tsunami in the Indian ocean.’

Later, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued an advisory saying that: A significant tsunami was not generated after the earthquake off Sumatra. Tsunami watch canceled.

However, at least 75 casualties were reported in the Indonesian quake, with thousands of people still trapped under the rumble, according to reports.

In a latest development, a strong aftershock with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Indonesia shortly after a powerful earthquake, the country’s seismological agency says.

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