People in north Maluku province of Indonesia woke up to witness a powerful earthquake Thursday morning, September 11, 2008. The meteorology agency said that the quake occurred at 7 am in the morning and measured 7.6 on the Richter scale. A tsunami warning was issued after the earthquake, said the agency.  

As per reports, the tremors accruing from Thursday's quake could also be felt clearly in adjoining areas like the Sulawesi province. Jajat Sudrajat from the meteorology office informed that the quake's epicentre was about 10 kms off the coast of Maluku.

Those residing in the earthquake-hit regions have been asked to stay on alert, informed an official from the national disaster management agency. Indonesia is located on a sensitive zone called the Pacific Ring of Fire, where two continental plates meet and gives rise to regular volcanic movements.