JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Rescue workers were rushing to northern Sulawesi yesterday after a massive earthquake near the coast killed at least four people, demolished hundreds of homes, and briefly triggered a tsunami warning.

The 7.5-magnitude quake in the early hours of the morning - one of the biggest to hit Indonesia since a 9.1-magnitude temblor in Sumatra killed hundreds of thousands four years ago - sparked panic as a tsunami alert was issued by the authorities.

Thousands fled homes, hotels and even hospitals, with many desperately carrying crying children and valuables, although the tsunami warning was withdrawn half an hour later.

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.