Quake hits Bengkulu

BENGKULU: A tectonic quake measuring 4.55 on the Richter scale was felt in Bengkulu early on Saturday, surprising residents who had just had their predawn meal before fasting.

"After the dawn prayer I was going back to sleep when my bed began rocking and people were shouting there was an earthquake," said Ida, a resident of the Kebun Keling area, Antara reported.

The head of Kepahiang Geophysics' local office, Armin Paimin, said the epicenter of the quake was 73 kilometers under the sea around Riau in Muara Lakitan.

Armin said Bengkulu had actually experienced three tremors this month.