Nias people told to remain calm

Nias people told to remain calm

JAKARTA: Vice President Jusuf Kalla told Nias and North
Sumatra people to remain calm despite rumors that a tsunami was
imminent in the area.

"Rumors are everywhere ... in Nias, Padang and along the west
coast of Sumatra. The government always advises the people not to
panic," he said on Friday after attending a function at the
Golkar Party head office.

Kalla, who also leads Golkar, was responding to a report that
hundreds of Nias people had moved to higher ground or other
locations due to fears of a tsunami and bigger earthquakes.

He suggested that people stay alert, but said the government
could not stop them from abandoning their homes. -- JP