An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale in the Indonesian province of Central Sulawesi early Monday has destroyed 100 houses, but there is no immediate report of casualty.

The quake rocked the provincial capital of Palu at 04:20 local time (20:20 GMT Sunday) preceded by several minor quakes, reported Detikcom online news service.

Residents in the coastal areas fled in panic for fear that the quake would trigger a tsunami and they marched to higher places, it said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2005)