Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck southwest of Garut district, West Java, on Saturday evening but caused no damage to buildings, according to the local disaster mitigation board.

"The magnitude of the quake was only 5.3 on the Richter scale and there was no report of material damage caused by the quake," spokesman for the BPBD, Tubagus Agus, said on Saturday night.

The epicenter of the quake which struck at 04.04 p.m. was located 120 km southwest of Garut at a depth of 17 km. However, the temblor was not strongly felt by local residents.

The residents of south Garut continued to carry on with their activities as usual, he said.

"We, the BPBD, continue to coordinate with the sub-district administration to find more information (related to the quake)," he said.

He called on the local people to report to the agency any impact of the quake.

He further asked the residents to remain calm and not be easily incited by any unconfirmed report, such as those talking about threat of a tsunami.

"Dont be easily incited by unclear information. Stay calm. This quake did not have the potential to cause a tsunami," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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