Published: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 4:26:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday September 2, 2009 MYT 4:34:15 PM

Strong quake strikes Java island, no tsunami threat to Malaysia (Update)

JAKARTA: A powerful earthquake has caused buildings to sway in Indonesia’s capital and prompted a regional tsunami alert.

(The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued an advisory that there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia -- ED).

The US Geological Survey says the quake struck Wednesday afternoon on the southern coast of the main island of Java with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4. It had a depth of 60km.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre says it was powerful enough to cause a local tsunami. There have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

In the capital, Jakarta, panicked office workers ran outside onto the streets. It was not possible to immediately contact anyone in Tasikmalaya, the town closest to the epicentre. -- AP