A powerful earthquake off eastern Indonesia briefly triggered a tsunami warning today, causing a stampede of residents to higher ground. Hundreds of building were damaged and at least 42 people injured, some seriously.
The US Geological Survey said the shallow, 7.2-magnitude quake struck off Sulawesi island's coast at around 1734 GMT (2304 IST), 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 centre 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.
The quake briefly triggered a tsunami warning -- delivered over mobile loudspeakers and by radio and television. It was lifted about an hour later, however, after the threat of killer waves had passed.
The USGS said the early morning quake, and nearly three dozen aftershocks that followed, were centred 320 kilometres from Manado, the northernmost city on Sulawesi island, and 20 kilometres beneath the ocean floor.
