6.1 magnitude earthquake occurs in Indonesia

The US Geographic Research Agency (USGS) said a 6.1-magnitude earthquake occurred off Indonesia's Sumatra province at 22:42 pm on January 26 (local time - 4:42 pm). GMT minutes).

The epicenter of the 26km earthquake on the seabed, about 230km west of Sibolga region of Sumatra.

There is no information about casualties or damage yet. The Hawaii-based Pacific tsunami center does not issue a tsunami warning.

Indonesia is located on the " Pacific Ring of Fire " - adjacent to the continental plates, so earthquakes often occur in this island nation, especially in Sumatra.

Meanwhile, on the same day, South African authorities called on the people of the country to strengthen efforts to prevent the consequences of continuous heavy rain and storms in the past few months.

Unusual heavy rains due to the impact of La Nina phenomenon from mid-December 2010 destroyed thousands of houses and farms in South Africa. 33 urban areas of eight out of nine South African provinces have suffered from natural disasters.

South Africa's weather forecast agency said the impact of La Nina phenomenon is now very strong, but will weaken around May and June.

The agency also warned that unusually heavy rains could occur in South African countries (including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia and Mozambique), then move to the northern region, influence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.