Parts of Asia on Tsunami watch after 8.7 magnitude quake hits Indonesia

A tsunami warning has been issued for parts of Asia after a massive 8.7 magnitude earthquake hit waters of Indonesia.

Centered around 20miles beneath the ocean floor the quake was only 308 miles from Banda Aceh where the devastating tsunami in 2004 hit.

Indonesian president Mr Yudhoyono tried to calm nerves by saying there appeared to be no serious casualties and most locals had been taken to safety.

He added that ‘as of this time there is no threat of tsunami’ - despite an international warning being issued.

Tremors are reported to have been felt in Singapore, Thailand, Bangladesh, Malaysia and India. A tsunami warning has been issued as far as Australia and parts of the Middle East.