6.3 Earthquake Strikes West Sumatra

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin. It is where the continental plates meet causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

A strong earthquake and a powerful aftershock hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island killing about 70 people and forcing hundreds to camp out in tents or open fields after their homes were flattened.

As night fell, authorities said it was feared dozens were still trapped under the rubble in West Sumatra province.