Sumatra hit by second quake

The Indonesian island of Sumatra has been hit by another earthquake, just one day after the strongest tremor of 2007 wreaked havoc.

Measuring 8.4 on the Richter scale, Wednesday's quake killed at least nine people and damaged countless structures.

And with a 7.8 tremor hitting at 0649 local time this morning (Thursday September 13th), local residents are fearful of a possible repeat of the catastrophic Asian tsunami of 2004.

More than 220,000 people were killed by the storm, which was sparked by an earthquake measuring 8.9.

This morning's tremor struck around ten kilometers under the sea, off the city of Padang, according to the US Geological survey.

Fauzi Bahar, mayor of Padang city, told local reporters: "Many buildings collapsed after this morning's quake. We're still trying to find out about victims."

According to the BBC's Lucy Williamson, around 85 per cent of housing in one village in the North Benguku district was damaged, with thousands evacuated into the open air.

United Nations relief workers have confirmed they will be heading to Sumatra to aid those affected by the quakes.