Strong quake rocks Ambon

AMBON, Maluku: An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale was felt here and on surroundings islands yesterday, but there were no immediate reports of casualties, Antara said.

A spokesman for the meteorology and geophysics agency here, Ruddy Wattimena, said the quake's epicenter was located at 4.45 degrees south and 129.25 degrees east, 33 kilometers below the sea.

He warned local fishermen about possible aftershocks although no tsunami was reported.

Yesterday's quake also prompted residents to flee homes and shopping centers in panic.

"The earthquake caused many residents to panic, sending them rushing to get out of houses and shopping centers in town," the agency said.

A quake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale hit Ambon on Feb. 11. There were no reports of damage then either.