Indonesia earthquake: Tsunami seen in terrifying footage

Terrifying video footage shows massive waves crashing into an Indonesian island as a tsunami struck after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake.

In the shocking footage, recorded in Palu, Sulawesi, on Friday, enormous waves can be seen surging forward amid terrified screams.

Officials had earlier withdrawn a tsunami warning.

This morning, the spokesman of Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency BNPB said at least 48 people had been killed and the death toll was expected to rise.

"We have not received comprehensive reports yet because communications are cut. Many bodies were found along the shoreline because of the tsunami, but the numbers are still unknown," he said.

The water knocks down homes and smashes into trees, leaving a trail of destruction in its path, as residents cry out and try to run to safety.

The video comes as officials have confirmed a tsunami of up to two metres hit the city after a powerful earthquake rocked central Sulawesi.

More here with the 2-minute video