Aftershocks expected for next two days after Indonesia quake

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has warned of possible aftershocks in the region over the next two days following the earthquake that struck near the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island this morning.

When contacted by MalaysiaNow, a spokesman said the quake had sent off tremors with 20 aftershocks of various magnitudes as of noon.

The earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale occurred at 9.39am, striking a depth of 10km.

Authorities in Indonesia said the epicentre of the quake was on land and had no tsunami potential, while MetMalaysia likewise said that no tsunami warning had been issued.

However, tremors were felt in the neighbouring provinces of Riau and North Sumatra, as well as in Singapore and Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor in Malaysia.

A second, weaker earthquake hit northern Sumatera at 12.02pm, sending further tremors through parts of the Klang Valley.

MetMalaysia had earlier advised people to seek shelter and to evacuate the building if they experienced any tremors.