Tsunami alert after earthquake hits Indonesia

A massive earthquake with a magnitude of near-9 on the Richter scale has been registered off the northern coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Financial television station CNBC initially reported the earthquake at 8.7 but has since revised it to 8.9. However, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has downgraded its initial estimate of 8.9 to 8.6.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre has declared a tsunami warning for the region.

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"[The] early warning system is working well," according to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He is currently meeting UK Prime Minister in the capital Jakarta where the earthquake was not felt. "Britain of course stands ready to help if help is required. We will stand with you and your government and your people at this time of worry," Cameron told Yudhoyono.

BC