Sumatran quake tremors felt in Penang

PENANG: Many parts of the island were shaken by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in northern Sumatra, sending thousands of building dwellers scurrying for safety.

The series of tremors, which occurred at 4.08pm, lasted for a few minutes and could even be felt by those living in low-rise buildings.

Among the building “rocked” were Komtar, the Penang Chinese Town Hall and condominiums and factories in Bayan Baru.

Motorola electrical engineer Sam Thompson, 30, said it was his first experience in his two years working here.

“I never felt this way before. I got excited when I saw the furniture starting to move,” he said, adding that he did not know it was tremors until told to evacuate the factory.

Thompson, who is from Miami said the tremors were sudden compared to hurricanes, common from where he came from, which could be predicted.

Cathay Cineplexes Prangin Mall marketing executive Joanne Sou said some cinema-goers ran out into the lobby midway through their movie.

“They stayed in the lobby for a while before returning to watch the show.”

A shipping company worker, who only wanted to be known as Yeoh, said the tremors were stronger than the one she experienced last September.

“We did not realise it was tremors until we saw the cabinets moving. We immediately vacated the building,” she said.

A state meteorological department spokesman said an earthquake was reported some 550km southwest of Bayan Lepas at about 4.08pm.

LAO EE , JOLIN, RICkY!!! anyone in penang...u guys feel anything?? anything serious?? i heard they like alert for tsunami de leh!!!! do UPDATE!!!

d4e