Strong quake rocks Ambon

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.