Powerful earthquake hits Indonesia, 42 injured (Update)

[Coventina]

Source: Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A powerful earthquake off eastern Indonesia briefly triggered a tsunami warning Thursday, causing a stampede of residents to higher ground. Hundreds of building were damaged and at least 42 people injured, some seriously.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the shallow, 7.2-magnitude quake struck off Sulawesi island's coast at around 1:34 a.m. (1734 GMT; 2:34 p.m. Wednesday EST), shaking people from their sleep. It was followed by dozens of aftershocks, the strongest measuring 6.2.

The Talaud island chain, in waters just south of the Philippines, felt the quake most intensely, said Rustam Pakaya, a government crisis center official, adding that Melonguane and Kabaruan were the towns hardest hit.

Nearly 500 buildings were damaged, including several schools, hospitals and churches, he said. Of the 42 people receiving medical care, 10 suffered serious injuries. Thousands of others were seeking refugee in shelters.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCeFe6qrUA2J6TpqBUjMoyp8nthAD969VN880

[medeak]

1. wow..we had 6.0 ...wouldn't want a 7.2!

check for latests earthquakes daily:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/us2009cybb.php