A seismic expert from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) confirmed on Tuesday that a tsunami in Indonesia's West Sumatra province had occurred following a strong earthquake in the province on Monday night.

Professor Sri Widiyanto, said the tidal wave that came after the earthquake in Mentawai isles in West Sumatra province was a tsunami caused by the 7.2 magnitude earthquake.

"The origin of the wave came up from deep down the seabed after the earthquake takes place," said the expert, referring to the tidal wave that struck Mentawai isles as high as three meters.

The expert said that despite the minor waves with considerably low height it was a tsunami.

The high tidal wave had prompted locals in Sikakap village, in Mentawai coastal area, sought refuge. The tempointeraktif.com, reported that the tidal wave had inundated 200 houses. Local residents said the waves from the sea as high as 1.5 to 2 meters struck their houses soon after the earthquake happened.