An earthquake measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Bali early Thursday, reportedly killing three people and damaging buildings as the popular tourist island prepared to host the inaugural Asean Leaders’ Gathering.

The epicentre of the quake was in the Bali Sea about 40 km off the eastern end of Java island, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Besides the Asean Leaders’ Gathering, Bali is also hosting the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, with 12,000 to 15,000 people attending.

Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to arrive there leading the Malaysian delegation to the Asean Leaders’ Gathering.

Dr Mahathir is expected to hold bilateral discussions with his Asean counterparts on the sidelines of the meeting.

- Bernama