Two major quakes strike Indonesia; MET confirms no impact on Maldives

A strong earthquake struck Sumatra, Indonesia on Saturday, the Maldives Meteorological Service said.

Early Saturday morning, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia, located 5,482 km from Maldives. A tsunami warning was issued for parts of Indonesia following the quake. However, the Met Office said the event would not generate a tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Later, another earthquake struck Northern Sumatra on Saturday afternoon. The quake measured 6.8 magnitude and occurred 2,832 km from Male'. The Met Office said the earthquake does not pose any threat to Maldives.

Foreign media quoted Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency as saying the death toll from the quakes has risen. Two people sustained serious injuries and 11 others suffered minor injuries, according to the agency. More than 2,000 people have been evacuated to safer areas.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was triggered by a major earthquake near Sumatra. Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the world’s most active seismic and volcanic zones.