Map shows epicentre of earthquake and nearby tectonic plates
A huge earthquake has reportedly struck near Indonesia measuring 7.9 on the richter scale.
It has reportedly hit to the south-east of the country and a tsunami warning has been issued for the region.
The quake’s epicentre is just over 500 miles southwest of Padang, West Sumatra in Indonesia and was six miles deep, according to the US Geological Society.
The earthquake is believed to be the fourth in the region in the last 24 hours, following three smaller tremors yesterday.
Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for the Cocos and Christmas islands, advising that strong and dangerous currents were possible and people should secure boats and avoid waterfront areas.
Although tsunami warnings have been issued, it has not been confirmed that a tsunami will develop.
On Boxing Day 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck 160 kilometers (99 miles) off the western coast of northern Sumatra, resulting in a tsunami that killed 230,000 people.
More to follow.
Indonesia earthquake: Tsunami warning after reports of huge 7.9 magnitude quake
