7.9 magnitude earthquake jolts Indonesia

A powerful and shallow earthquake of magnitude 8.1 struck off the west coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

Jakarta: A major earthquake measuring 8.1 on Richter Scale striked southwest of Indonesia on Wednesday evening. 

The powerful quake, which hit southwest of the island of Sumatra, had a depth of 10 kilometers (six miles).

The epicenter is said to be located 808 kilometers southwest of Padang.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the very deep temblor yet. However, shallower earthquakes are more likely to cause damage.

The USGS had initially categorized the earthquake as a magnitude 8.2, and later an 8.1, before finally lowering it to a 7.9.