According to the US Geological survey nn underwater earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 hit at about 6:10 pm (1110 GMT) on Wednesday. An Indonesian offical said there was a risk of a tsunamiafter the earthquake. The quake struck 105km southwest of Bengkulu on Sumatra, Indonesia, at a depth of 15.6km.

"Earthquakes of this size have the potential to generate a widespread destructive tsunami that can affect coastlines across the entire Indian Ocean Basin," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre said.

The centre said thatthe tsumani could strike Indonesia and Australia within an hour, and India and Sri Lanka could be hit within three hours. India's government has issued a tsunami alert for the Andaman Islands, while Malaysia issued a warning to stay away from beaches.

Al jazeera