Sabang, Aceh (ANTARA News) - A strong earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale (RS) shook Aceh Province in the western tip of Sumatra at 5:03 a.m local time on Wednesday.

"The earthquake measured 6.4 on the RS and took place at 5:03 a.m. Its epicenter is located at 5.19 northern latitude, 96.36 eastern longitude, some 18 kilometers northeast of Pidie Jaya Subdistrict and at depth of 10 kilometers," Head of Sabangs Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Siswanto said on Wednesday morning.

He said that people in the districts of Pidie Jaya, Pidie, Aceh Besar, Sabang, Bireun and Lhokseumawe felt the strong tremors of the earthquake.

The earthquake was also felt in an island in the westernmost of Indonesia. Many residents rushed out of their houses.

The quake has no potential to trigger a tsunami but the people are called on remain alert on the aftershocks.

An earthquake measuring five on the Richter scale is capable of causing considerable damage and one measuring six severe damage.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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