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Indonesian authorities issued the tsunami warning system in Padang, capital of West Sumatra province, following a major earthquake which is feared to trigger tsunami.
The warning has prompted people to evacuate to higher ground, mobilizing their vehicles that incite severe traffic jams in Padang, Indonesian state-run TV station TVRI reported.
Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) initially issued an earthquake notice measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale but later corrected to 7.8.
The quake occurred at 19:49 p.m. local time, 682 km west of the West Sumatra coast at a depth of 10 km below the sea surface on Wednesday evening.
Hermis, a BNPB official stationed in West Sumatra, said the evacuation was prioritized for those staying in the coastal areas.
Local authorities assigned vehicles to evacuate residents to shelters provided by the government.
The official said immediate evacuation was necessary to save lives from tsunami.
"Tsunami wave would come 20 to 30 minutes after the earthquake, " he said.
He said the major quake prompted people to come out from their houses in panic.
Trees were swaying when the quake took place and the ground trembled.
Warnings were continuously broadcast through local TV and radio channels as well as through mobile phone messages sent by BNPB offices.
West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno said public facilities, like tap water and electricity, have yet to be cut. People were told to stay away from the coast.
He said if tsunami takes place it may affect provinces including West Sumatra, Lampung, North Sumatra, Aceh, Bengkulu and Lampung.
Indonesian authorities have yet to recalled the tsunami warning.
Australia has issued the 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 isles, a popular surfing area.
