Indonesia earthquake causes panic

An earthquake has hit waters off Indonesia’s main island of Java, sending panicked residents fleeing from their homes and office buildings.

No tsunami warning was issued, and there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The US Geological Survey said the quake had a preliminary magnitude of 5.4 . It hit 140km south of Cirebon city and was centred nearly 78km beneath the ocean floor.

El Shinta radio said it triggered widespread panic in the nearby town of Garut.

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.