7.8 magnitude quake hits Indonesia

SUMATRA:

A powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake has hit Indonesia's Sumatra island, triggering a tsunami alert in nearby Thailand.

The US Geological Survey says the quake struck at a depth of forty-six kilometres off the northwest coast of Sumatra. No damage has been reported so far.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued a tsunami watch in Sumatra. But it said a destructive ocean surge was not expected.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Warning Centre in Thailand said there is high risk of a tsunami on the Andaman Coast.