EXPERT CALLS TO WATCH OUT FOR BIGGER QUAKE

Padang, Indonesia, Aug 16 (ANTARA) - An earthquake expert of the Andalas University, Badrul Mustafa reminded the people of West Sumatra to watch out for a bigger quake, because the tremors which struck on Sunday, were not a cotinuation of the quakes which struck in 2007.

"The series of quakes this time were fresh ones. Not just quakes which followed those which struck two years at seeking new stability," Badrul said in Padang on Sunday.

Therefore, he reminded the people of West Sumatra to watch out for a possible stronger quake.

"But let us pray that the 6.9 strong quake was the main one, and the next ones were merely secondary shocks of smaller magnitude," the Unand rector assistant said.

According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency, he added, the quake's epicenter was located in Mentawai Strait, so that there was practically no possibility of a tsunami.

On Sunday, Padang city was struck at least by nine tremors with their epicenter in Mentawai Islands, with the strongest stricking with magnitudes ranging from 6.9, 5.2 and 5.6 on the Richter scale.

In the meantime, many Padang residents have started setting up tents outside their homes. ***