Over 100 killed, 500 missing as Tsunami hits Indonesia after 7.2 magnitude earthquake

Jakarta, Oct.26 (ANI): At least 108 people died and over 500 went missing after earthquake of 7.2 Richter Scale caused Tsunami here on Monday in Mentawai islands.

The epicenter of the quake was located at 78 kilometres southwest Pagai Selatan Mentawai and at a depth of 10 kilometres under sea bed

Small tsunamis occurred five minutes after the 7.2 magnitude quake struck at 9:42 p.m. local time yesterday.

Local media reported on Tuesday that the search and rescue team is focusing on searching the missing people. However, high tides have hindered the rescue work, preventing the rescuers from reaching the stricken area.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has declared an emergency response.

Indonesia's most volatile volcano is also erupting, spewing plumes of hot ash and hurling rocks into the air. Officials said, the valcano - Merapi, in central Java, began erupting just before dusk today.

Scientists have warned the pressure building up beneath its lava dome could lead to one of the most powerful blasts in years.

Thousands of residents living on the volcano's slopes have been evacuated. Television footage showed thousands of people fleeing the area, some covered in white ash. (ANI)