Thailand is reporting that sea levels are receding, indicating that a tsunami could be expected.

Deputy Director Lalith Chandrapala told Lanka Business Online that the government issued a warning asking coastal residents to evacuate their seaside homes immediately.

Chandrapala said residents should leave the areas and move to higher ground within three hours from the time of the tsunami.

Ground reports coming from coastal areas indicate that residents are already evacuating.

Chandrapala said that it was a precautionary measure to avoid any further loss to the already tsunami devastated island, which lost close to 40,000 people, including scores of tourist here on Christmas holidays.

Government officials are asking residents not to panic, but evaluate to higher ground calmly.

-LBO Newsdesk: