Indonesia quake triggers Indian Ocean tsunami alert

Jakarta, Apr 11 (ANI): A massive 8.7 earthquake has struck off the western coast of Indonesia triggering fears of a "devastating" tsunami.

According to the US Geological Survey, the quake was centred 20 miles beneath the ocean floor around 269 miles from Aceh's provincial capital.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre in Hawaii said a tsunami watch was in effect for Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Burma, Thailand, the Maldives and other Indian Ocean islands, Malaysia, Pakistan, Somalia, Oman, Iran, Bangladesh, Kenya, South Africa and Singapore, The Independent reports.

An official at Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said a tsunami warning has been issued for cities all along the coast of Sumatra island.

According to the report, tremors were felt in India, Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh and Malaysia. (ANI)