5.7 magnitude earthquake hits North Sumatra

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale was detected in North Sumatra, Indonesia, at 3.28am today.

In a statement this morning, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) said the earthquake occurred 286km southwest of Sabak Bernam, Selangor.

According to the department, tremors may have been felt in the Klang Valley, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Perak.

It said MetMalaysia would continue to monitor the situation and urged those with information on the tremor to inform the department.

The quake’s epicentre was 15km northwest of the North Tapanuli district and at a depth of 10km, said Indonesia’s meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency.

The quake, followed by two tremors with magnitudes of 5.1 and 5.0 respectively, did not have the potential to trigger a tsunami, according to the agency.

So far there were no reports of damages or casualties, including in the hardest-hit areas of the North Tapanuli district, head of the Search and Rescue Office for the Nias Island of the North Sumatra province, Agus Wibisono told Xinhua via phone.

The tremors were also felt in the nearby province of Aceh, the agency added.

- Bernama

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