In an earthquake measuring 6.8-magnitude jolted Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi triggering a tsunami warning that created panic among the people but there have been no reports of damage and injuries yet.
As per the information given by the authorities, the tsunami warning was later lifted as giant waves did not appear but a warning was issued for the communities along the coast lines to avoid terrorism.
“We have just terminated the tsunami warning as tsunami did not happen,” Pranata said.
The quake struck at 18.40 p.m. Jakarta time (1140 GMT) with an epicentre at 85 km southwest of Banggai Kepulauan and 10 km under the sea bed.
One of the strongest intensities of the quake was felt at 4 MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) in Luwuk district, the official said.
The jolts triggered panic and forced people to evacuate in the Luwuk, Marowali and Kepulauan Banggai districts.
The National Disaster Management Agency didn’t issue a preliminary report of damages or casualty, but risks assessment on the impact of the natural disaster was being carried out, said agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.
The tremors were also felt in Taliabu of North Maluku province, forcing local people to evacuate to safer areas, said Sutopo.
