Blackout in Aceh after major quake

Hotli Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumawe, Aceh | Wed, 04/07/2010 8:10 AM

Morning shock: Residents sit on a truck outside their homes as they prepare to flee after an earthquake in Banda Aceh, Aceh, Wednesday. A 7.2 earthquake shook the northern part of Sumatra Island early Wednesday, prompting a brief tsunami warning and sending residents rushing for higher ground. AP/Heri Juanda

A blackout has hit several areas in Aceh following a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that jolted the province and surrounding areas on the northern part of Sumatra Island.

Electricity was not available along Aceh's east coast, in Lhokseumawe, in East Aceh and in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh.

Authorities have yet to announce the cause of blackout and when power will be restored.

The major earthquake struck at 5:15 a.m. local time at around 60 kilometers southwest of Sinabang, Aceh, at 24 kilometers beneath the surface, prompting a tsunami watch which was revoked a few hours later. There were no reports of significant damage from the quake.

In Lhokseumawe and Banda Aceh, the quake prompt residents to leave their homes, but the situation returned to normal within hours.

The quake was also felt in Medan, North Sumatra and Riau, Antara state news agency reported.

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