The Indonesian government called off a tsunami warning issued earlier after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Padang city in West Sumatra on late March 2.

There was no report on deaths or damage, said Heronimus Guru, deputy head of the country’s National Search and Rescue Agency.

Earlier, the Indonesian authorities deployed means of transport to evacuate residents to shelters provided by the government. Warnings were continuously broadcast on local TV and radio channels as well as through mobile phone messages.

The earthquake hit Padang city in West Sumatra on late March 2 (Photo:USGS)

In the same vein, Australia issued a tsunami warning but later canceled it.

West Sumatra saw a severe earthquake followed by tsunami in October 2010, claiming more than 450 lives in the province's Mentawai islets, a popular surfing area.

(Source: VNA)