Powerful quake hits off Indonesia, tsunami warning issued

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — A powerful, shallow earthquake hit off the southwestern coast of Sumatra in Indonesia today and could trigger a tsunami, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The U.S. Geological Service said the earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.8. It was centered under the ocean at a depth of 24 kilometers (15 miles), it said.

Shallow earthquakes are more likely to cause damage, but the USGS said the quake was located far from land, about 659 kilometers (409 miles) from the town of Muara Siberut.

Indonesian officials warned that the quake might trigger a tsunami.