Indonesia Aceh Earthquake: 6.5-Magnitude Tremor Strikes Northern Tip Of Sumatra, Same Area Devastated By 2004 Tsunami

A strong earthquake struck the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island Wednesday, leaving at least 18 dead, including seven children, and dozens trapped in the rubble.

"The earthquake was felt strongly and many people panicked and rushed outdoors as houses collapsed," Sutopo Nugroho of the National Disaster Management Agency said in a statement.

The quake measured 6.5 magnitude and struck just north of Reuleuet, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. No tsunami alert was issued.