Indonesia quake kills at least 42

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A powerful earthquake has struck Indonesia, killing at least 42 people. The quake also injured dozens and damaged numbers of houses and buildings.

The quake struck at 2:55 pm local time off the southern coast of the main island of Java. Authorities said those killed were in two towns in West Java province.

In the capital Jakarta, residents reported buildings shaking. Hundreds of people streamed out of their office blocks and rushed towards emergency exits to assemble outside on the streets.

Employee, Bank of Indonesia, said, "I was in the training room when I felt everything swaying, then we rushed out of the office."

Employee, Bank of Indonesia, said, "The air conditioner in my room broke off. I was on the 20th floor."

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the quake as a magnitude 7.4 at a depth of 63 km.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially said it was powerful enough to cause a local tsunami, but less than an hour later retracted the alert.

Indonesia, a vast archipelago, straddles continental plates. It is prone to seismic activity along what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. LQ, CCTV.