Amazing World Atlas: Earthquake hits Indonesia measuring 8.7 on Richter scale hit Aceh province. The earthquake had its epicentre off the west coast of northern Sumatra occurred at 2.08 p.m., the IMD said.

The India Meteorological Department announced earthquake measuring 8.5 on Richter scale and US Geological Survey announced 8.9 on Richter scale whose epicentre was at depth of 33 km.

Mild tremors were felt in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nagapattinam and many cities in Tamil Nadu. The tremors also felt in Bangalore, Kolkatta and several other cities on east coast of India.

Tsunami alerts are issued in Indian Ocean and 28 countries including Thailand, India, and Maldives. Tsunami Centre has warned of waves upto 2 metres in Tamil Nadu coast and upto 6 metres in Andaman chain.

Chennai Port has shut its operations due to the earthquake. In Kolkata metro rail services are suspended and resumed now.

Many companies are announced leave for the safety of employees and employees leave their offices after feeling the earthquake tremors.