April 7, 2010

“A major 7.7-magnitude quake has hit Indonesia's northern Sumatra, US seismologists say, triggering a local tsunami watch.

The quake struck at a depth of 31 kilometres, just off northern Sumatra, at 5.15am today (8.15am AEST) .... The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a watch for local tsunamis but said a widespread destructive tsunami was not expected.”

Full report: http://www.smh.com.au/world/strong-q...0407-rpx1.html

Keeping fingers crossed that the impact will be minimal.

Checking updates, there are no reports yet on damage or casualties ... but as much of the powergrid was knocked out, communications would be affected as well.

Thailand has also issued a tsunami warning, although some reports indicate this alert has already been withdrawn:

"Thailand issues tsunami alert after major Indonesian quake

BANGKOK: -- Thailand issued a tsunami alert Wednesday after a major 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's northern Sumatra, warning people in coastal areas to evacuate to a safe place.

The National Disaster Warning Centre said there was a high risk of a tsunami on the Andaman Coast, which was battered by an Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 that killed an estimated 5,400 people in Thailand alone.

Since then, Thailand has installed a high-tech warning system designed to reassure tourists and businesses that the country's beaches are safe.

The latest alert covered six southern Andaman coastal provinces, including the popular tourist destinations of Phuket and Krabi, the centre said."

I hope our friends in Indonesia are unharmed. I'm thinking of marmot and of Filmwill and David.

First reaction - oh no, not another one!! But reading the linked report, may have been deep enough not to cause major damage. Keeping fingers crossed.

Yes, me too, Kathie.

Have been checking, and all reports indicate Bali is not affected at all at this time.

So hopefully Fodorites currently in the area, and those planning trips (His Bobness, lol) will continue without any hassles.

My heart goes out to our northern neighbours though, who suffered so desperately in approximately the same area during the September '09 earthquake.

A 7.7 or 7.8 earthquake will not deterr us. My mother is always telling Bob "you can get hit by a bus crossing the street at home." Just hope filmwills are ok.

The quake was from filmwill's plane landing in Indonesia with all of his over weight luggage.

Hi Karen, feel sure the filmwills are fine, Bali has not been affected and they probably jetlagged through it in oblivion!

Indonesia’s ’Jakarta Post’ http://www.thejakartapost.com/ doesn’t have the earthquake as its major headline, details are few – but Indonesia too has withdrawn the tsunami alert.

This evening's TV news on the event was over in one minute, reporting damage was minimal and to date, a dozen or so injured (no fatalities). Such excellent news!