Earthquake shakes Aceh: Children among the dead, victims still being pulled from rubble

At least 54 people have died while dozens are trapped in the rubble after a strong earthquake that struck the province of Aceh on the Indonesian Sumatra early Wednesday morning, world media report, Patria conveys.

The 6.5 magnitude earthquake hit north of the small town of Reuleuet. There was no tsunami warning.

Rescue teams are on the ground to locate dozens of buildings collapsed by the earthquake, where people are still trapped in the rubble. The local government urgently needs excavation equipment and emergency supplies.

The earthquake occurred at dawn, as the region's predominantly Muslim population was preparing for morning prayers.

The National Disaster Management Agency reported that 78 people sustained serious injuries. Children are among the dead, and the local hospital is already packed with people arriving with injuries. Due to lack of capacity, the injured are being sent to a neighboring district for treatment.

The earthquake destroyed numerous homes, mosques, and shops.

Seismologists claim the earthquake was felt in a large part of Aceh province, which was devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.