Indonesia's western province of Aceh was struck by a powerful earth quake. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated the quake had a magnitude of 7.5 on the Richter scale.

The earthquake’s epicenter was 319 km off the coast of Sumatra, and hit at 1508 (0808 GMT), according to the USGS. The tremor had a depth of 21.7 miles (35 km).

The epicenter was close to that of the earthquake which caused the 2004 Asian tsunami. Approximately 200,000 people died as that catastrophic wave hit land.

The latest reports showed there have been no casualties or damage in the country that lies on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, one of the most seismically active parts on the globe. I that region a number of tectonic plates collide causing the numerous earthquakes.

Strong tremors were reported in Banda Aceh where people poured out on the streets in panic as the shake lasted more than a minute.

It is still not sure what the magnitude of the earthquake was. Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency measured the quake at a 6.6 magnitude. At least two aftershocks were reported in the same region at about 20 minutes after the first tremble. The first aftershock measured .5 and the other 5.3 on the Richter scale.

The tremors were strongly felt in Meulaboh, in Aceh, and Gunung Sitoli on Nias island, said Budi Waluyo, head of early earthquake warning.

"An earthquake of 6.6 can damage houses," Waluyo told Reuters.

A tsunami watch was issued for Indonesia by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, but added that "a destructive widespread tsunami threat does not exist based on historical earthquake and tsunami data".

Thailand's National Disaster Warning Centre issued a precautionary alert for the island of Phuket and its neighboring provinces. However, there was no evacuation order.