Java – earthquake, volcano and tsunami rumours

An early morning earthquake in Indonesia’s ancient royal city and tourist spot Yogjakarta is believed to have killed at least 1,700 people, and counting. Thousands are still buried or trapped under rubble of collapsed buildings.

Yogyakarta, on the island of Java, is located near the Mount Merapi volcano that erupted last week. Thousands of villagers have been evacuated from foot of the hill that spew hot ashes and lava.

Although the epicenter of the quake, which had a magnitude of 6.2, was offshore, it did not cause a tsunami. But rumours of an impending tsunami had the locals running to higher grounds for safety.

Many residents are reported to be still suffering from after shocks of the earthquake.