Updated: Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:15:37 GMT | By Agence France-Presse

5.6-magnitude quake strikes off western Indonesia

A 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia's Sumatra island on Tuesday, seismologists said, but there were no immediate reports of damage or casualties.


The quake struck 75 kilometres (47 miles) west of Banda Aceh just after 6:00 pm (1100 GMT) at a depth of more than 35 kilometres, the US Geological Survey said.

An AFP correspondent in Banda Aceh said people ran from their homes as the ground shook for about 30 seconds.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where continental plates collide, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 devastated Indonesia, where 170,000 people were killed, mostly in Aceh province.

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