“The Hawaii-based Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) initially said hazardous tsunami waves were possible within 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) of the epicentre along the coasts of Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.”

“Within half an hour of the quake, waves up to 75 centimetres were recorded in North Minahasa and 20 centimetres in Bitung, both in the north of Sulawesi island, according to Indonesia's BMKG geological agency.”

“The PTWC lifted its warning just over two hours after the tremor, saying the tsunami threat 'has now passed.'”

“BMKG head Teuku Faisal Fathani told journalists in the capital Jakarta there were 11 aftershocks, the biggest with a magnitude of 5.5.”

“The PTWC had initially warned that tsunami waves of up to one metre were possible for parts of Indonesia, with smaller waves possible for the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Guam and Palau.”

“The Japan Meteorological Agency said it expected 'slight changes' in the sea level along the Pacific coast from northern Hokkaido to southern Okinawa, but has not issued any warnings.”

“Indonesia and neighbouring countries experience frequent earthquakes due to their location in the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' an arc of intense seismic activity where tectonic plates collide that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.”