4 Aussies in Indonesia missing

Canberra - Authorities have made contact with three Australians who had been unaccounted for in the earthquake-ravaged Indonesian city of Padang, but concerns remain for four others who still have not been in touch with officials.

The 7.6-magnitude quake on Wednesday afternoon toppled buildings and led to fires in the city, home to nearly a million people on the coast of Sumatra, leaving the city largely without power and communications.

"Our embassy in Jakarta has reported that despite numerous attempts it's not been able to make contact with four of the 13 Australians who were registered in the Padang area owing to poor communications," an Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said.

The department believes 249 Australians are in the affected area, most of whom are unregistered.

"Of the 249, 137 have already been contacted and their safety confirmed," a spokesperson said.

Officials are searching hospitals in the area in an attempt to track down other Australians who may have been caught up in the disaster.

- AAP