Strong earthquake shakes central Indonesia

YOGYAKARTA (INDONESIA): A strong earthquake has hit waters off central Indonesia, sending hundreds of residents fleeing their homes, but there are no reports of injuries or damage.

The US Geological Survey says today's 5.8-magnitude quake was centered 87 miles (140 kilometres) from Yogyakarta, a bustling city still traumatised by a 2006 temblor that killed 5,700 people.

In recent weeks, the city has been showered by ash from the nearby Mount Merapi volcano, which has claimed at least 386 lives since bursting back to life October 26.

Resident Simon Sudarman said many people fled their homes today.

Indonesia is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an arc of volcanos and fault lines encircling the Pacific Basin.