A strong earthquake of a 6.1 magnitude shook the Sulawesi island of Indonesia this afternoon. The quake struck exactly at 13.22 hrs IST but officials have not issued a tsunami warning.

There are also no immediate reports of loss of life or property due to the quake. Indonesian meteorological agency said in a press release that the epicenter of the quake was traced at a distance of 71 km southeast of the Sulawesi island town of Gorontalo and 160 km beneath the Molucca Sea.

Local officials said that the quake lasted for 20 seconds and forced some of the residents out of their homes. (JUBS)