Ranau earthquake: Residents advised to be on alert for aftershocks

The Meteorological Department of Malaysia (MetMalaysia) advised Ranau residents in Sabah to be on alert for the next 24 hours for possible aftershocks.

The advice came following a 6.0-magnitude quake in the area this morning.

MetMalaysia said they are currently monitoring the situation.

Photos from those living near popular tourist site, Mount Kinabalu, close to where the quake struck #Sabah #quake pic.twitter.com/Ts5AAngg4a
— Sumisha Naidu (@sumishanaidu) June 5, 2015

NST_Online: Several mild aftershocks were felt in Sabah after the 5.9 Richter scale quake at 7.15am: Met Dept pic.twitter.com/zHNjWeJgsT
— Malaysia News (@Malaysia_Latest) June 5, 2015

Donkey's Ear reported damaged following Sabah quake. Kinabalu climbers unable to descend. @501Awani pic-Charlene DMP pic.twitter.com/Sb1vYJJD1I
— Rizal Zulkapli AWANI (@rizalzulkapli) June 5, 2015

Moderate quake 5.9 richter hits Ranau, Sabah at 7.15am today. Hope everyone is okay over there. pic.twitter.com/SCrBMgEGUT
— andy telasai (@andytelasai) June 5, 2015

The district's Fire and Rescue Department, when contacted, said they have requested for backup from their air unit to begin operations to help climbers who are stranded on the mountains of Ranau.

The department said they have received reports that rubble are blocking the climber's path to safety.

The department was also going around town, together with other government agencies including the Public Works Department, to monitor the surroundings as well as a precaution should there be a need for evacuations.

READ: "It felt like a gigantic hand shaking my bed" - Sabah resident

READ: Strong 6.0-magnitude quake strikes Sabah

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that it was a different scene altogether in the town of Tawau. Reports claimed that the locals there were carrying about their daily duties as per normal.

Residents who were interviewed said they did not feel any tremors. Ranau is located some 441km from Tawau.