Powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia’s Sumatra, Java islands

Strong tremors were felt in capital Jakarta, prompting people to run out of office buildings

The disaster mitigation agency said that residents near coastlines should immediately evacuate to higher ground

Reading Time:1 minute

A powerful earthquake struck Indonesia’s Sumatra island. Photo: Alamy

Published: 8:33pm, 2 Aug 2019Updated: 11:43pm, 2 Aug 2019

A powerful earthquake struck off the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java on Friday, triggering a two-hour tsunami warning that sent coastal-dwellers fleeing to higher ground and panicking people in the capital Jakarta

The US Geological Survey put the epicentre in the Indian Ocean about 227 km (141 miles) from Teluk Betung city on Sumatra with an initial magnitude of 7 that was later lowered to 6.8.

Indonesia’s geophysics agency issued a warning of potential tsunami waves up to three metres (10 feet) but that was withdrawn once the risk was discounted. The disaster mitigation agency said that residents near coastlines at risk should “immediately evacuate to higher ground”.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, but strong tremors were felt in Jakarta, the capital, prompting people to run out of office buildings.

“The chandelier in my apartment was shaking and I just ran from the 19th floor,” Jakarta resident Elisa said.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x