Tsunami Alert Lifted for Most of Indian Ocean

Residents of Banda Aceh evacuate following a tsunami warning in Aceh, Indonesia, 11 April 2012. EPA/BGNES

The tsunami watch issued for the entire Indian Ocean after Wednesday's massive earthquake in Indonesia has been lifted for most parts of the ocean.

The 8.6 magnitude earthquake off Sumatra's coast triggered widespread fears, as it reminded of the disaster that devastated Banda Aceh back in 2004, when over 230 000 people were killed by tsunami waves resulting from an earthquake.

A 8.2 magnitude aftershock followed Wednesday's event, both quakes triggering tsunami alerts.

Experts have been cited by international media explaining that the quake that triggered the 2004 tsunami is different from the two that occurred on Wednesday.

The latest earthquakes occurred horizontally, with the tectonic plates sliding against each other, creating more of a vibration in the water.

The 2004 one was a mega thrust, which causes the seabed to heave and displaces water vertically, sending towering waves racing toward shores.

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