A video aired on Indonesian TV is doing rounds on social media.

A major earthquake off Sulewasi Island of Indonesia triggered a tsunami in the region, a spokesperson for Indonesia's geophysics agency said. The earthquake was easured 7.5 on the Richter scale.

Hary Tirto Djatmiko confirmed to The Associated Press that a tsunami occurred. He said the agency was still collecting information and would release it after confirming its accuracy.

The earthquake occurred after a few mild tremors were felt which brought down buildings. The epicentre of the earthquake has been reported to be 80 km off the island and 10 km underground.

Indonesian TV showed a smartphone video of a powerful wave hitting the provincial capital, Palu, with people screaming and running in fear.



Initial tremors had triggered a tsunami warning which was lifted after some time. The confirmation of the tsunami apparently came after the warning was lifted.

(With inputs from PTI and Reuters)