Aftershocks from the powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit west Sumatra yesterday are expected to occur for a few days more, the Department of Meteorological said.

The department, however, reminded the public not to be unduly worried as the aftershocks were becoming weak.

sumatra earthquake 300909 Eight aftershocks of between 4.5 and 6.8 on the Richter scale were recorded since yesterday evening, it said.

An aftershock measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale was recorded at 9.53am today, causing tremors in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Johor, it said.

"The department will continue to monitor the situation and will convey all the necessary information to the public," it added.

The department said the quake, which killed hundreds in Padang, Sumatra, caused a small tsunami of about 0.27 metre but it posed no threats to Malaysia.

Thousands rushed out of buildings in the peninsula following the tremors yesterday evening.

Strong winds and rough seas

Meanwhile, the department issued a first category warning on strong winds and rough seas over the waters of Phuket, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Samui, Kelantan, Terengganu, Condore, Reef North, Layang-layang, Labuan and Sabah.

It said that the strong southwesterly winds of 40-50km per hour and rough seas with waves of up to 3.5 meters over these areas were expected to persist until Saturday.

The condition is dangerous to small craft, recreational sea activities and sea sports.

- Bernama