Strong earthquake shakes eastern Indonesia

A strong earthquake struck the eastern part of Indonesia on Wednesday, according to the US Geological Survey. There were no immediate reports of damage.

The magnitude-5.5 quake was centreed 56 kilometres under the sea, the US agency reported.

Indonesian seismologist Fauzi, who uses one name, said there was no risk of a tsunami.

Amelia Tagor, a resident of Tual, the town closest to the epicentre, said a brief tremor was felt, but no one panicked.

“We felt it for a few seconds ... but it did not disturb our activities,” she said.