According to the BBC news (just watching it now) a strong earthquake has struck the Indonesian island of Java, leaving several people dead and many injured. Apparently the quake, measured at 6.2 on the ricter scale, which flattened buildings in a densely-populated area near the city of Yogyakarta on the southern coast of the island of Java.

Witnesses said people fled as their homes collapsed around them, after the quake struck early in the morning. Local radio said several hospitals were packed with people seeking treatment.

Electricity and communications across the city were also down, police said. The quake hit at 0554 local time (2253 GMT Friday), around 25km (15 miles) south of the city of Yogyakarta, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

Yogyakarta is Indonesia’s ancient royal capital. “We have no figure yet, but yes, there are several people reported killed and hundreds of injured. We are still receiving reports from the various subdistricts,” Subiyakto, an officer with Yogyakarta province’s police, told the AFP news agency.

Update: According to reports over 3,000 people have died and between 8-10,000 injured in the Indonesian Earthquake. For the full story and further updates please visit BBC News

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