Indonesia Quakes Kill at Least 3

A series of powerful earthquakes struck in Indonesia early this morning, killing at least 3 and causing brief tsunami warnings. Some 70 others were injured, and several buildings destroyed, including a health clinic. The first quake hit off the coast of Sumbawa just after midnight, registering 6.7 on the Richter scale, and spawned aftershocks of 6.8 and 5.7 respectively, the Bangkok Post reports.

The quake prompted a short-lived tsunami warning, causing widespread fear. “Everyone panicked,” said a local police officer. “They were running from their houses, some to the hills.” Even afterwards, people lingered outside, afraid of the falling debris that injured many. Among those killed was a 5-year-old boy. Another 6.0 quake hit later in West Sumatra, but no casualties have yet been reported. (More disaster stories.)