Strong aftershock sparks panic in Aceh

BANDA ACEH, Tuesday (AFP) A strong aftershock measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale shook the capital of Indonesia's Aceh province, Banda Aceh, on Tuesday prompting panic among the population, residents said.

Inhabitants rushed out of their homes and offices and gathered in the streets as the earthquake hit at 9:29 am (0229 GMT), witnesses said.

The earthquake was centered some 33 kilometers under the ocean floor southwest of Banda Aceh.