Quake rattles Indonesia's Aceh

2005-07-30 20:25

Indonesia - An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale rattled the tsunami-ravaged Indonesian province of Aceh on Saturday, causing panic among residents, officials and witnesses said.

The under-sea quake struck at 13:10 GMT and was located 33 kilometres beneath the sea off the coast of Aceh, which is on Sumatra island, an official with the Jakarta meteorological agency told AFP.

No tsunami warning was issued but in the Aceh capital of Banda Aceh, the quake caused panic among residents, who fled their homes and huddled outside.

Many were seen clutching their belongings and crying but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Indonesia sits on the so-called Pacific Rim of Fire, where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity.

A 9.3-magnitude quake off Sumatra island triggered the December 26 tsunami disaster which left at least 217 000 people dead around the Indian Ocean.

Aceh, especially its coasts, was one of the hardest hit areas.

- AFP