Agency Lifts Tsunami Warning After 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The residents around Mentawai Island, West Sumatra are now safe after the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) officially lifted its Tsunami warning status, said the Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

"The Agency (BNPB) received notification on the revocation of the tsunami warning status on Wednesday at 10:34 p.m. People can now return to their homes, do not be afraid as the condition is safe," said Sutopo in a statement received here on Wednesday night.

Sutopo said that his agency have received information from the BMKG about the potential of a tsunami threat caused by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Wednesday at 7:49:47 p.m.

"The occurrence of a tsunami was detected in Cocos Island as high as 10 centimeters at 9.15 p.m and in Padang as high as 5 centimeters at 9.40 .m," Sutopo said.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agencys Command Post had been able to communicate with its regional office (BPBD) using radio communications to report the resident condition.

Based on information, the condition is safe and the people are already in safe places,

"People in Sikakap, South Pagai, Sipora, Siberut and other Mentawai Islands are in safe conditions and have taken refuge in high places," Sutopo added.

He said a number of areas that are also safe from a tsunami such as areas on the island and along the west coast of Sumatra in South Nias, Nias, Simeulue, Aceh Singkil, Aceh Barat, Muko-Muko, the area along North Sumatra coast, West Sumatra, Bengkulu and Lampung.

"No casualties or damage to buildings were reported. West Sumatra BMKG has lifted its tsunami warning for 15 surrounding areas since 9:30 p.m," noted Sutopo.

People in the city of Padang and in part of the west coast of Sumatra have responded to the tsunami warning by evacuating to tsunami shelters.

Previously, the mitigation agency has built a number of shelters that have been used for public evacuation.

In addition, people also used the roof tops of mosques, high buildings, schools and others.

Panic situation was experienced in several places which caused traffic congestion on the streets as many people were evacuating using their own vehicles.

"With the lifting of the tsunami warning, residents were asked to return home in an orderly manner. Do not be afraid. The most important thing is staying alert and following the officials direction," Sutopo said.(WDY)