Strong quake hits eastern Indonesia

Associated Press

JAKARTA, Indonesia

A strong and shallow earthquake hit eastern Indonesia early today, sending residents, hotels guests and patients from a hospital fleeing in panic. Some homes were damaged, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude-6.2 quake was centered 45 miles southeast of Kendari, on Sulawesi island, at a depth of 6 miles. It was followed by three strong aftershocks.