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SINGAPORE : Tremors were felt across Singapore after a powerful earthquake occurred off the West Coast of Sumatra in Indonesia at about 6:30pm on Sunday.
The Meteorological Services Department estimates the magnitude of the earthquake to be 7.3 and said the quake was about 700 kilometres southwest of Singapore.
The quake came in the wake of a series of aftershocks following the major earthquake on December 26.
Frightened residents fled their apartments at Whampoa drive in central Singapore.
Rattled by the tremors, many gathered below their blocks after complaining about feeling giddy and faint.
Many were also concerned about the structural integrity of their blocks since a series of tremors rocked the island after the major earthquake last year and the Nias earthquake some two weeks ago.
Areas across Singapore including Whampoa, Chai Chee, Bedok, Beach Road, Geylang and Bukit Batok were affected.
Over at Toa Payoh, fearful residents complained of furniture moving and lights swaying during the tremors.
"I was in the room. My head was basically down on the floor. And I felt giddy. I thought it was just my blood pressure playing tricks on me. I heard everyone shouting 'earthquake'," said one resident.
Another resident added, "(The tremors were felt only for) a little while."
Many Singaporeans said they felt two tremors, one from the initial earthquake, and another some 45 minutes later from an aftershock.
Police have received over 700 calls from concerned Singaporeans. - CNA
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