AFTERSHOCKS FROM SUMATRA QUAKE EXPECTED FOR SOME DAYS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Aftershocks from the powerful 7.6-magnitude
earthquake that hit west Sumatra Wednesday are expected to occur for a few days
more, the Department of Meteorological said.

The department, however, reminded the public not to be unduly worried as the
aftershocks were becoming weak.

Eight aftershocks of between 4.5 and 6.8 on the Richter scale were recorded
since Wednesday evening, it said.

An aftershock measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale was recorded at 9.53am
Thursday causing tremors in states of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and
Johor, it said.

"The department will continue to monitor the situation and will convey all
the necessary information to the public," it added.

The department said the quake, which killed hundreds in Padang, Sumatra,
caused a small tsunami of about 0.27 metre but it posed no threats to Malaysia.
Thousands rushed out of buildings in the peninsula following the tremors
Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, the department issued a first category warning on strong winds
and rough seas over the waters of Phuket, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Samui,
Kelantan, Terengganu, Condore, Reef North, Layang-layang, Labuan and Sabah.

It said that the strong southwesterly winds of 40-50km per hour and rough
seas with waves of up to 3.5 meters over these areas were expected to persist
until Saturday.

The condition is dangerous to small craft, recreational sea activities and
sea sports.
-- BERNAMA