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New Earthquake Hits Java, Triggering Tsunami Fears

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Another strong earthquake has struck Indonesdia's Java island, making tall buildings sway in the capital, Jakarta, and sparking panic about another tsunami.

There were no immediate reports of casualties. The 6.2 magnitude earthquake was centered beneath the Sunda Strait. Officials say earthquakes of this strength can trigger a tsunami, but gave no indication that one is imminent.

The quake sent panicked people away from Java's Pangandaran beach area. Local television showed people jumping onto motorbikes and filling cars to flee the coast.

Two days ago, an undersea earthquake generated a powerful wave that killed at least 531 people.

Officials say at least 235 people are missing and hundreds are injured. More than 40,000 people are displaced and some 20,000 have been evacuated from the area.

Aid trucks arrived in Pangandaran Wednesday, as emergency crews search through the rubble of destroyed buildings to recover bodies and rescue possible survivors.

Many villagers are hunkered down in makeshift shelters on high ground, fearful that another tsunami could strike.

Authorities say Indonesians make up most of the victims, but at least four foreign nationals are among the dead.

Monday's 7.7 magnitude earthquake was centered in the Indian Ocean, 360 kilometers south of Jakarta.

Central Java is still recovering from a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in May, killing more than 5,700 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.

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