Quake sparks panic, causes damage on Java

A 4.5-magnitude aftershock hit five hours later, 10 kilometres beneath the earth and just 28 kilometres southeast of the town.

“The first quake was felt much more strongly and people ran out of their homes and buildings in panic,” said policeman Yayok, from Asembagus, an area in Situbondo district which appeared to be the hardest hit.

“The second quake has further scared people and until now many do not want to go back into their homes,” he said.

Yayok said no reports of serious injuries were received so far.

“Some 40 houses suffered light damage, such as cracks, damaged windows or roofs, while about 50 others suffered from more serious damage,” he said.

At least two schools had sent pupils home after cracks developed in their buildings amid concern of further aftershocks.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where continental plates meet, causing frequent seismic and volcanic activity.