Tsunami Strikes Sunda Strait Beaches
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23 December 2018 09:04 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dozens of people have been killed after a tsunami hit the coast around Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, according to government officials. The national disaster management agency said hundreds of people were hurt and many buildings were damaged after the tsunami struck on Saturday night.
The agency added that one possible cause of the tsunami was undersea landslides after the Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted. The Sunda Strait, between the islands of Java and Sumatra, connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.
According to a statement from Indonesia’s meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency (BMKG), “the tsunami hit several areas of the Sunda Strait, including beaches in Pandeglang regency, Serang, and South Lampung”.
The tsunami struck at around 9.30pm local time on Saturday night.
Endan Permana, head of the national disaster agencyin Pandeglang, said police were providing immediate assistance to victims in Tanjung Lesung in Banten province, a popular tourist getaway not far from Jakarta. Emergency workers had not arrived in the area yet.
“Many are missing,” Permana said.
Øystein Lund Andersen, a Norwegian photographer who was in the area, wrote on Facebook that he was taking pictures of the volcano when he suddenly saw a big wave come toward him.
“I had to run, as the wave passed the beach and landed 15-20m [metres] inland.
“Next wave entered the hotel area where I was staying and downed cars on the road behind it. Managed to evacuate with my family to higher ground through forest paths and villages, where we are taken care of [by] the locals. We’re unharmed, thankfully.”
Anak Krakatoa was formed from the remains of the original Krakatoa volcano which erupted in 1883 in what is thought to be one of the most violent volcanic events ever.
The spokesperson for Indonesia’s national disaster management agency urged people not to panic.
“The community is encouraged to remain calm. Emergency updates will continue to be delivered.”
In September, at least 832 people were killed by a quake and tsunami that hit the city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi, which is just east of Borneo.
REUTERS | AP
