Sumatra Earthquake Information - U.S. Geological Survey

March 29 (USGS) - The earthquake occurred around 23h15 local time between the Sumatran cities if Padang and Medan.. The tremor continued for about 2 minutes. The epicentre was 2.3 NORTH 97.1 EAST, ie about 200 km off Sumatra mainland.

USA's NOAA has recommended that coastal populations within 1000 km from the epicentre be evacuated. Officials on Nias say that some people have been killed and dozens may be buried under rubble. Mass panic was caused by the eartyhquake with people running in the streets.