Strong, shallow earthquake rocks Indonesia

  • 30/05/2017
Indonesia earthquake damage
Indonesia earthquake damage (@RadioElshinta / Twitter)

A strong, shallow earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.9 has struck near Indonesia's Sulawesi Island.

There've been no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties, after the quake shook the region just after 10:30pm on Monday.

But images of minor damage are starting to appear on social media. 

The Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics said there was no threat of a tsunami following the quake.

The US Geological Survey said Monday's quake had a preliminary magnitude of 6.6 and was centred near the city of Poso at a depth of 9.4km.

El Shinta radio reported that residents ran from their homes in panic.

Muhammad Guntur, who lives on the outskirts of Poso, told AFP it was felt strongly.

"People are panicking here. We are now all gathered outside of our houses," he said. "The electricity is off here."

Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more damage on the Earth's surface.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire."

Reuters / Newshub.