Krakatoa volcano eruption triggers tsunami in Indonesia

Indonesia tsunami hits Sunda Strait after Krakatau eruption

More than 220 people have been killed and 843 injured after a tsunami hit coastal towns on Indonesia's Sunda Strait, government officials say.

The tsunami waves struck at night without any warning, destroying hundreds of buildings.

Officials say the tsunami could have been caused by undersea landslides after Anak Krakatau volcano erupted.

The Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra, connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.

What is the latest?

The disaster management agency has warned people to stay away from the coastline due to fears of another tsunami.

Saturday's tsunami struck at about 21:30 local time (14:30GMT), during a local holiday.

It hit several popular tourist destinations including the Tanjung Lesung beach resort in the west of Java island.

Officials say more than 100 people were killed in Pandeglang - a popular tourist district on Java known for its beaches and national park.

Deaths were also reported in Serang district, and South Lampung and Tanggamus on Sumatra. Officials fear the death toll could rise further.

Footage shared on social media showed a large wave crashing into a tent in the resort, in which a popular Indonesian rock band, Seventeen, was performing. Members of the band were seen being swept away as the wave destroyed the stage.

In a tearful Instagram video, singer Riefian Fajarsyah, said the band's bassist and road manager had died, and that three other band members and his own wife were missing.

A crew member, Zack, said on Instagram that he survived by grabbing onto part of the stage, and "in the final seconds [underwater] I almost ran out of breath", Reuters reported.

 

Turrible tragedy.

Thoughts are with the victims.

 

That’s horrible. I wonder if these are the same places hit by that previous tsunami that killed so many? They said this wave was only 3.3 feet tall but must have had incredible force behind it. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the casualty tolls soar into the thousands. Let us hope it doesn’t. I couldn’t imagine being at that concert in the audience and seeing a wave crash over the stage coming at me. Terrifying.

 

Oh man, that's just awful, I can't even imagine (even after seeing the short segment). I mean there's kids in audience too, just sad how fast everything can change. I hope they find the rest of the band and not many more casualties. Already way too high.

 

Yeah, the wave must have been incredibly strong. Regardless even without a tsunami people sometimes take for granted how strong the seas can be, I can't even imagine how strong it was, I mean other than the short segment. Everyone always thinks they're in control but it's a reminder how fragile we are. I really hope the casualties don't soar, this is just sad.

 

This is not the time to use "turrible."

 

I'll need to check this out, thanks for sharing