Moderately strong quake hits eastern Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - A moderately strong earthquake has hit eastern Indonesia, causing panic among residents, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. No tsunami warning was issued.

The United States Geological Survey says the 6.0-magnitude quake struck on Saturday evening off the eastern province of Papua. It says it was fairly shallow, just 20km beneath the sea, which often causes more shaking than deeper quakes.

Witnesses said shocked residents and hotel guests in Nabire town ran outside screaming.

Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics agency said there was no danger of a tsunami.