Quake scare rocks Physics Olympiad

PEKANBARU, Riau: Concerns over the recent spate of earthquakes here has resulted in many nations pulling out of this week's Asian Physics Olympiad (Apho) to be held in Pekanbaru, Riau.

Rachmad Widodo Adi, chairman of the Apho organizing committee, said on Saturday that out of 35 nations invited to the event, only 18 nations had confirmed their participation.

He said that some nations were worried about news that the Sumatra region was still prone to earthquakes, particularly following the massive quake that struck Nias Island and the Dec. 26 tsunami that devastated coastal areas of Aceh.

Meanwhile, other nations were worried about terrorism.

Some 118 senior high school students are expected to participate in the two-week event, which will start on April 26 and will be opened by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. -- detik.com