JAKARTA, Aug 12 (NNN-ANTARA) – The jolts of a 7.1 magnitude quake that hit the Philippines today, were strongly felt in Talaud district of North Sulawesi province, in the central parts of Indonesia, triggering panic among residents, according to the weather agency and a resident.
The tremors were felt at IV MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) in the district, Priyo Budi, an official in charge at the meteorology and geophysics agency, said.
The jolts were also felt at II to III MMI in Kepulauan Sangihe district and Bitung city of the province, the official said.
The agency did not issue a warning for a tsunami, as the tremors did not potentially trigger giant waves, according to him.
In Talaud district, the tremors forced many residents to rush outside their houses, said Habel Salombe, a resident in the district.
“The shakes were felt strong here, many people were in panic and immediately left their houses for safety,” Salombe, who is also a former head of disaster management agency in the district, said.
“But, I have not received any information about houses or buildings damaged, or those injured,” he said.
The quake struck at 00:46 a.m. Jakarta time, today (1746 GMT Wednesday), with the epicenter at 267 km northeast Melonguane, capital city of Talaud district, and the depth at 51 km under the sea bed, the official of the meteorology and geophysics agency said.– NNN-ANTARA
