TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A tsunami struck the coastal areas of Banten and South Lampung on late Saturday, December 22. The National Disaster Mangement Agency (BNPB) recorded that 281 people have died and more than 1,000 injured, and many went missing.

Sunda Strait tsunami is considered different as it did not cause by an earthquake. The following is five facts about the tsunami in the coastal areas of Sunda Strait per the second day of the disaster, Monday, December 24.

1. The tsunami occurred due to the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) said eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau (child of Mount Krakatoa) was allegedly the cause of the tsunami in the coastal beach of Banten and Lampung. The eruption occurred at 21:17 local times, and that triggered high waves.

2. Double natural phenomenon

Other than eruption, according to BMKG chairman Rahmat Triyono, the tsunami was also likely due to tidal wave caused by the full moon.

“There is an indication that high waves, full moon, and also an eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau that occur are considered as the cause of the tsunami," said Rachmat yesterday, December 23.

BMKG on Saturday at 7 a.m had issued an early warning of two-meter high tide in the waters of Sunda Strait which is valid until December 25, 2018. And high waves that caused a tsunami were formed by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

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3. Underwater Landslide

According to BNPB spokesperson, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, Sunda Strait tsunami was not triggered by an earthquake. Because, he added, no tectonic activity was detected.

"It is possible that the tsunami occurs due to an underwater landslide following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau," he said.

A man searches for his goods at debris of his home in Lampung that was destroyed by the tsunami that hit Sunda Strait on Sunda Strait on Sunday, December 23, 2018. ANTARA/Ardiansyah

4. No Tsunami Early Warning

Sunda Strait tsunami occurred without any early warnings. Rachmat Triyono explained that tools presently owned by the BMKG only aimed at reporting early warnings systems for tsunamis caused by tectonic activities.

5. Sunny weather on the disaster day

Survivors of Sunda Strait tsunami said that the weather around Tanjung Lesung waters was bright. The sea waves also tend to be calm. Tourists could even play water rides in the morning.

TAUFIQ SIDDIQ