Sunday, December 26 2004 15:28 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Portblair: At least 20 persons were killed and over 100 injured in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after it was hit by a powerful earthquake followed by tidal waves this morning (Dec 26, 2004).

"We have confirmation of 20 dead and more than 100 injured, but there is a possibility of the casualty figure going up. Rescue operations are on," IGP S B Deol said.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, he said, were jolted by the earthquake at 6:30 hrs (IST) this morning, which were followed by tidal waves.

Deol said that the possibility of the casualty figure going up existed as a large number of people mainly fishermen were missing after putting out to sea as there was no prior warning.

The extent of damage and casualty in a number of small islands in the Andamans group in the Indian Ocean was yet to be known as rescue teams were still to reach, he said.