Quake and Tsunami Strike Indonesia

The tsunami was unleashed by an 8.7 magnitude earthquake according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

(SUMATRA, Indonesia) - A large undersea earthquake unleashed a tsunami that swept the shores of Indian Ocean beaches a few hours ago. The earthquake struck 35 km (270 miles) SW (215°) from Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia; 964 km (599 miles) W (265°) from KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, according to the US Geological Survey.

The worst news: unconfirmed reports that many could be trapped in Indonesia as a result of raging flood waters.

People reportedly panicked at the news that another potentially catastrophic tsunami was going to strike this island nation once again.

The earthquake that caused the tsunami was also deadly. Cars and motorcycles reportedly jammed roads as the sped toward higher ground.

The magnitude of the earthquake according to the U.S. Geological Survey was 8.7 quake was centered 20 miles beneath the ocean floor.

A Tsunami Watch was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii. It affects Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Maldives and other Indian Ocean islands, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia, Oman, Iran, Bangladesh, Kenya, South Africa and Singapore.

When a tsunami watch is issued, it only means the potential for a tsunami exists, it is not a dire warning of imminent danger.

We will bring you more information on this event.

Also from the U.S. Geological Survey:
Location 2.311°N, 93.063°E
Depth 22.9 km (14.2 miles)
Region OFF THE WEST COAST OF NORTHERN SUMATRA