TAWAU: Tremors were felt here when an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck Tarakan in North Kalimantan, Indonesia earlier this morning.
The earthquake which struck at 2.47am was categorised as 'strong' by the Meteorological Department.
According to a statement from the department, the epicentre was at 3.6 degrees north and 117.6 degrees east about 33km north of Tarakan and 96km southwest of Tawau.
When contacted, a spokesman at the district police station said the tremors were felt by those on duty but so far there have been no reports of damaged properties.
Abdul Rahman Latugi, a resident at the Sri Titingan apartments in Kampung Titingan said many were awakened by the tremors and some ran outside the building.
"The tremors lasted at least 30 seconds and people were running down the stairs out to the open area," said the taxi driver who added it took them at least half an hour before they went back to their units.
Stall operator Aishah Asli said the tremors jolted her out of bed and it that was scary.
"It suddenly makes you think of the earthquake in Kundasang, Ranau," she said referring to the earthquake which killed 18 people on Mount Kinabalu on June 5.
At the time the earthquake was measured at 5.9 on the richter scale before it was revised to 6.0.