Denpasar – An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter Scale jolted South Bali on Thursday at 1:23 a.m. local time, but it did not have potential to trigger a tsunami.

The quake`s epicenter was located at 9.42 degree southern latitude, 115.41 degree eastern longitude, at a depth of 20 km, and 78 km southwest of Klungkung, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said in a statement here, Thursday.

The tremor was felt by inhabitants of Tabanan, Karangasem, Kuta, Jimbaran, Denpasar, Mataram, Central Lombok, North Lombok, West Lombok, and East Lombok at III-IV MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity).

Inhabitants of Gianyar, Klungkung, Nusa Dua, Legian and Sumbawa felt the earthquake at III MMI.

A number of people rushed out of their homes as the quake struck for several seconds. (ANT)