Powerful quake hits off Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

Powerful quake hits off Indonesia, tsunami warning issued........

JAKARTA, Indonesia

A powerful, shallow earthquake hit off the southwestern coast of Sumatra in Indonesia on Wednesday and could trigger a tsunami, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The  US Geological Service said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.8. It was centered under the ocean at a depth of 24 kilometers (15 miles), it said.

Shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damage, but the USGS said the quake was located far from land, about 659 kilometers (409 miles) from the town of Muara Siberut.

Indonesian officials warned that the quake might trigger a tsunami.

Marjina, a resident of Sikakap in the Mentawai islands, about 690 kilometers (430 miles) from the epicenter, said the quake was felt only weakly there, but the tsunami warning caused panic among villagers, who ran to higher ground.