Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) — A tsunami has been detected in Padang, Indonesia, with waves rising between one and three metres, following a massive earthquake in Bengkulu, south Sumatera, tonight.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has advised the people to be alert and stay away from the shores of Perlis, Kedah, Penang and Perak.

It also advised the public to follow latest developments on the tsunami in the print and electronic media.

A powerful earthquake, measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale, struck 155km southwest of Bengkulu at 7.10pm tonight.

Tremors were also felt in parts of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Meanwhile, in another statement, the department said a moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale occurred at 128km from Bengkulu and 540km from Johor Baharu at 9.02pm tonight.

Fifteen minutes later, another earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck at 238km from Bengkulu and 691km southwest of Melaka, it added.