8.7 Earthquake strikes Indonesia, India felt tremors too

An 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia on Wednesday, sending residents around the region dashing out of their homes and offices in fear.

A tsunami watch was issued for the whole Indian Ocean. The quake struck 308 miles (500 km) southwest of the city of Banda Aceh, on the northern tip of Indonesia's Sumatra island, at a depth of 20.5 miles (33 km), the U.S. Geological survey said.




Indonesia's disaster management agency said power was down in Aceh province and people were gathering on high ground as sirens warned of the danger.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a tsunami watch was in effect for the entire Indian Ocean. The quake was felt as far away as the Thai capital, Bangkok, and in southern India, residents said.

Hundreds of office workers in Bangalore left their buildings, workers there saidIn Bangladesh, where two tremors were felt, authorities also said there appeared to be no threat of a tsunami.