Jakarta (ANTARA News) - There have been no reports of damage or deaths following the 8,9 magnitude quake in Simeulue, Aceh, at around 3.38pm on Wednesday, according to an official from the social affairs ministry.

"We have made radio contact with Tagana and the local social affairs service in Simeulue and have been informed that conditions in the district generally remained stable and no damage or death had been found," Victor Siahaan, the head of the sub-directorate of emergency response of the Directorate General of Social Protection of Natural Disaster Victims, said here on Wednesday.

He noted that his office has been monitoring the affected regions especially those located close to the epicenter of the quake such as Nias, Sibolga and Padang Sidempuan in North Sumatra and West Aceh, Simeulue and Banda Aceh in Aceh province.

"The situation now seems stable, although it was undeniable the quake had caused panic among the public, who ran to higher grounds for safety," he said. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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