The earthquake`s epicenter was located at 2.81 degrees of northern latitude, and 97.85 degrees of eastern longitude, and 59 km northeast of Singkil Baru District, at a depth of 76 km below sea level, Edi Darlupti, the head of the Meulaboh Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency said here early Tuesday.
He said the earthquake did not have potential to trigger a tsunami as its epicenter was found in the southwest of Aceh province or in Aceh Singkil district.
"An earthquake with such magnitude is usually not potential to trigger a tsunami, however, the people should remain on alert as the prediction could change because it is a natural disaster," he said.
Due to the tremor, local people in Meulaboh rushed out of their houses in panic.
A local resident, Afrizal said he immediately went out of his house in panic after noticing a lamp in his house was swinging.
"Although it did not have potential to cause a tsunami, no one could guarantee that this big house would not collapse," he said.
There were no reports of casualties available so far.
KR-LWA/F001
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
