7.8 Magnitude Quake Strikes Indonesia

Five strong aftershocks were reported, measuring 5.2

Image courtesy: NOAA

(SUMATRA, Indonesia) - Sparking fears of another tsunami similar to 2006, the U.S. Geological Survey says a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck . Maggie Rodriguez reports.

The U.S. Geologic Survey says a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Sumatra in Indonesia.

USGS reports the location as Northern Sumatra, 125 miles west/northwest of Sibolga, Indonesia, 320 miles west of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and 880 miles northwest of Jakarta.

The depth was reported to be 19.3 miles.

The Associated Press reports Aceh's Governor, Irwandi Yusuf saying, "So far no damage or casualties have been reported and the situation is under control."

Five strong aftershocks were reported, measuring 5.2, according to the meteorology agency.

Residents near the beach immediately headed for higher ground according to reports, fearing a possible tsunami, with fresh memories of the destruction they represent.