Strong quake sparks fires in Indonesian town

INDONESIA, A strong 6.2-magnitude quake struck Indonesia's Papua province on Monday, damaging houses and sparking fires, an official and residents said.

The earthquake hit eight kilometres (five miles) northwest of the town of Manokwari, prompting residents to leave their homes and other buildings, many clutching belongings, ElShinta news radio said.

A local police officer said the earthquake triggered fires in a densely populated area of the town.

"Houses have caught fire in Jendral Sudirman street. I think more than five houses have caught fire," Alfandi told AFP. "The quake was quite strong. The shake may have caused stoves to fall, causing the fires," he added.

An ElShinta reporter speaking from the area said at least five houses were damaged. Many residents were carrying possessions out of their homes, he said. There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths.

The quake, centred 31 kilometres under the surface, struck at 12:12 pm (0312 GMT), said Fauzi from Indonesia's meteorology and geophysics office.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where the meeting of continental plates causes frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Jakarta, Monday, AFP