GEORGE TOWN: No tremors have been reported in Penang after a 6.5 magnitude earthquake off northern Sumatra, said the Fire and Rescue Department.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of Firefighting and Rescue Operations John Sagun Francis said quakes above 4 on the Richter scale need monitoring.
“Any time it records above 4, we consider it a big one. We are aware this earthquake is 6.5 in magnitude, but so far no tremors are reported. What we worry about is a delayed reaction,” he added.
“The earthquake took place only a few hours ago and sometimes the reaction can take time to reach us,” said John on Thursday (Nov 27).
John said Penang is facing heavy rain and floods, so the department is prepared for all disasters.
“Our equipment and personnel are ready in case of an emergency. Usually if there are tremors we will ask people to evacuate high rise buildings,” he added.
Malaysia’s Meteorological Department issued a statement at 1.03pm on Thursday.
It said a strong earthquake struck off the west coast of North Sumatra at 12.56pm.
Director general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the quake measured 6.5 in magnitude.
He said it was centred 8km south of Simeulue, Indonesia, at 2.7°N, 95.9°E, with a depth of 57km.
“Tremors were felt in several states along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
“There is no tsunami threat to the country,” added Mohd Hisham.
Earlier, a tropical storm named Senyar was detected at 3.6°N, 99.9°E off northern Sumatra.
It was about 102km southwest of Lumut.
MetMalaysia said the storm is moving east southeast into the Strait of Melaka.
It is heading west of the peninsula at about 24km/h.
It will likely bring continuous heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas across Peninsular Malaysia beginning November 27.
