Strong Earthquake Shakes Central Indonesia

Villagers watch as Mount Merapi erupts in Wukirsari, Indonesia, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010. Searing gas and molten lava poured from Indonesias deadly volcano in an explosion three times as powerful as last weeks devastating blast, chasing people from villages and emergency shelters along its slopes.

Yogyakarta (News Today) - A strong earthquake has hit waters off central Indonesia, sending hundreds of residents fleeing their homes, but there are no reports of injuries or damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey says Tuesday’s 5.8-magnitude quake was centered 87 miles (140 kilometers) from Yogyakarta, a bustling city still traumatized by a 2006 temblor that killed 5,700 people. In recent weeks, the city has been showered by ash from the nearby Mount Merapi volcano, which has claimed at least 386 lives since bursting back to life Oct. 26. Resident Simon Sudarman said many people fled their homes Tuesday.

Indonesia is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.

Source : kompas

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