7.3-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Tremors In Kota Kinabalu And Sandakan
It happened at about 2.13pm today, 10 January, and lasted for 10 seconds.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 10 Jan 2017, 05:10 PM
Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu were shaken by tremors at about 2.13pm, from a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that was recorded at the Celebes Sea about 466 kilometers northeast of Semporna
The staff of the Kota Kinabalu Times Square were also asked to evacuate the building following the tremors.
Image via Jamili Nais/The Malay Mail OnlineAccording to New Straits Times, the tremors were felt at the city center at Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan and lasted for about 10 seconds.
The 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck in the center of the Celebes Sea, between Philippines and Indonesia, and measured at a depth of 618 kilometers.
The Pacific Tsuname Warning Center (PWTC) informed that there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth.
It was reported that tremors were also felt in Tanjung Aru and Kepayan. While in Sandakan, the staff at the federal building at Mile 7, Jalan Labuk were ordered to vacate the premises to ensure safety.
People in the high rise buildings and malls also rushed out after feeling the tremors.
An employee at the Centre Point Sabah shopping mall recounted her experience of the incident, "The windows in my office were rattling for 10 seconds".
"My building was swaying and I got dizzy," said another employee, as reported by The Malay Mail Online.
It was also mentioned that a spokesperson from the State of Fire and Rescue Services in Kota Kinabalu said that they were checking on several buildings in town including the Wisma Wanita, Wawasan Plaza, Wisma Innoprise and the state post office headquarters.