Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA News) - A strong earthquake rocked the West Sumatra provincial capital of Padang at around 06.50 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting many people to rush outdoors.

Local resident Elok said he was on the second floor of his house when the quake occurred.

Like any other local residents, Elok who strongly felt the quake rushed outdoors to avoid any eventualities.

"At that time I was about to make ablution to perform evening prayers at a mosque near my house," he said.

There was no immediate report from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) about the magnitude of the quake.

A powerful earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale shook West Sumatra on September 30, 2009, leaving scores of people dead. (S012)

Editor: Ade P Marboen
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