An earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale struck areas of West Sumatra on Wednesday afternoon, with tremors felt as far away as Malaysia and Medan in North Sumatra.

The Geophysics, Climatology and Meteorology Agency (BMKG) said the epicenter of the quake was 71 kilometers below sea level and 78 kilometers northwest of Padang.

Esti, an analyst from BMKG Medan, told Antara state news agency the quake occurred at 5:17 p.m. but had not triggered to any tsunamis.

In Medan, hundreds of residents rushed from their homes and buildings to avoid possible collapses from to the powerful quake