Strong earthquake strikes off Aceh province on Indonesia’s Sumatra, 25 Dead

MEUREUDU, INDONESIA:  At least 25 people died and hundreds were injured after a strong earthquake struck off Aceh province on Indonesia’s Sumatra island on Wednesday, local officials said.

The shallow 6.5-magnitude quake struck Pidie Jaya district at dawn, as some in the predominantly Muslim region prepared for morning prayers.

Mosques and shops were flattened in the small town of Meureudu, where the force of the quake sent people fleeing from their homes. No tsunami alert was issued.