An earthquake measuring 8.2 on the Richter Scale occurred near the coast of the northern Sumatra area of Indonesia about 880 miles northwest of the capital city of Jakarta. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has advised that this earthquake had the potential to generate a tsunami in the ocean or seas near the earthquake. No major tsunami has been reported near the earthquake's epicenter, however, there was a small tsunami observed on the Cocos Tide Gage.

Currently dozens of deaths and structural damage have been reported in the region. People living near the coastal area of this region are currently evacuating inland.

The American Red Cross continues its relief efforts in this region responding to the December 26, 2004 tsunami, said Patrick McCrummen, American Red Cross spokesperson. "We are prepared to assist again in the Sumatra region, however, at this time, we believe we will not require additional funds to respond to this disaster due to the previous generosity of the American people.?

This earthquake follows a little more than three months after a 9.0 earthquake hit the same general area, generating tsunamis that greatly affected southern Asia and eastern Africa. Since the initial December 26, 2004 earthquake, well over 200 aftershocks have occurred in the Bay of Bengal region. Many of the aftershocks have had a magnitude of 5.0 or higher on the Richter Scale. As a general guideline, earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.5 or greater may result in a tsunami.