7.8 magnitude earthquake off Indonesian coast prompts tsunami warnings
 

7.8 magnitude earthquake off Indonesian coast prompts tsunami warnings
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A powerful and shallow earthquake off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia triggered tsunami warnings in that country as well as watches for western Australia on Wednesday evening, local time.*

The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter Scale, according to the U.S. Geological Service (USGS), and it was centered only 10 kilometers, or 6.2 kilometers, under the ocean surface.*

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Map of earthquake epicenter, according to the USGS.

Image: USGS


Australia's Bureau of Meteorology issued a marine warning for distant Cocos and Christmas islands. It did **t advise evacuations, but said strong and dangerous currents were possible and people should secure boats and avoid waterfront areas. The warning **ted that a tsunami had **t been confirmed. Read more...


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