Second tremor hits disaster zone in Indonesia

Jakarta, Oct.1 (ANI): A second earthquake was recorded shortly before noon (AEST) today in Padang, Indonesia.

The 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck 150 km south of the epicenter of last night's quake.

Reports quoted Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono, as saying that 500 buildings in Padang, located on the western coast of Sumatra, had collapsed or were badly damaged.

The extent of damage in surrounding areas is still unclear due to poor communications," he added.

Authorities expect the death toll to rise dramatically.

News.com.au quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs as saying that it had received one report of an Australian requiring consular assistance and is attempting to contact Australians registered in Padang.

Padang is a popular destination for Australian surfers heading to the nearby Mentawais Islands.

The tragedy comes just a day after an earthquake and tsunami hit Samoa and American Samoa, killing 113 people, including four Australians. (ANI)