Earthquake rocks Maluku islands

AMBON, Maluku: A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale shook on Thursday morning Kelang island in Central Maluku regency, hundreds of kilometers northwest of Ambon, the capital of Maluku.

The earthquake caused large waves in the nearby waters, which later hit Namela, the capital of Buru regency.

Several residents in Namlea told journalists that the waves did not cause any damage.

"We were surprised and panicked, but no fatalities were reported," said Abu Talessy, 35, a resident of Namlea. -- Antara