A powerful earthquake struck western Indonesia on Wednesday, triggering landslides and trapping thousands under collapsed buildings — including two hospitals. At least 75 bodies were found, but the toll was expected to be far higher.

The temblor started fires, severed roads and cut off power and communications to Padang, a coastal city of 900,000 on Sumatra island. Thousands fled in panic, fearing a tsunami.

In the sprawling low-lying city of Padang, the shaking was so intense that people crouched or sat on the street to avoid falling. Children screamed as an exodus of thousands tried to get away from the coast in cars and motorbikes, honking horns.

Indonesia’s Vice President Jusuf Kalla said: “People are trapped, hotels have collapsed, schools have collapsed, houses have collapsed and electricity has been cut off.”

Government ministers are on their way to Padang, with aid including tents, generators, food and water.

Source : Yahoo News