Indonesia: tsunami warning now lifted

There was a tsunami warning prompted by the 8.6 earthquake and 6.5 aftershock in Indonesia earlier today. The good news is that the warning has now been lifted.

Digital Journal reported earlier that an earthquake which registered at 8.6 on the Richter scale, following by a 6.5 aftershock had prompted a tsunami warning in Indonesia.

The tsunami watch status has now been lifted in Indian Ocean countries.

The worst impact was likely to be on Simeulue Island, which is off southern Sumatra, according to Indonesia's disaster agency. A witness told Reuters that the island, which is near the epicenter of the Aceh earthquake had sea levels receding by about 10 metres.

The BBC reports that once the warning was lifted, many people were crying, while others screamed “God is great.” ... read full article.

Video: 8.6 quake off Indonesia prompts tsunami warning

Banda Aceh - A 6.5 aftershock has been registered following an earlier 8.6 earthquake in the Aceh region off the northern Sumatra coast in Indonesia today. In the wake of a tsunami warning, people are fleeing to higher ground.

It started with an earthquake which registered at 8.6 on the Richter scale. Now the Geophysical Agency in Indonesia has registered a 6.5 aftershock.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that a tsunami warning has been issued across the Indian Ocean.

A rescue team is being sent to Aceh, following the loss of electricity in the province and Reuters advises that locals are fleeing to higher ground, as can be seen in the above video... read full article and view video.