Indian Ocean tsunami watch issued after 8.7-magnitude quake off Indonesia
AP
Last Updated: 6:15 AM, April 11, 2012
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia — A tsunami watch was issued for countries across the Indian Ocean after a large earthquake hit waters off Indonesia on Wednesday, triggering widespread panic as residents along coastlines fled to high ground in cars and on the backs of motorcycles.
Some were crying. Others screamed "God as great" as they poured from their homes.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the 8.7-magnitude quake was centered 20 miles (33 kilometers) beneath the ocean floor around 269 miles (434 kilometers) from Aceh's provincial capital.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii said a tsunami watch was in effect for Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Myanmar, Thailand, the Maldives and other Indian Ocean islands, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia, Oman, Iran, Bangladesh, Kenya, South Africa and Singapore.
Southern Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia, seen here after the Indian Ocean tsunamis in 2005. Residents are bracing for another tsunami after an nearly 8.7-magnitude quake today.
A tsunami watch means there is the potential for a tsunami, not that one is imminent.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/indian_ocean_tsunami_watch_issued_XPUNg2ACmorTGu3N0t1CkL#ixzz1rjAT7Mhb
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