23 Dec 2018 | 03:13 PM UTC
Indonesia: Recovery efforts ongoing in Sunda Strait following tsunami Dec. 23 /update 1
Indonesian officials confirm at least 222 fatalities in the Sunda Strait as of December 23 after a tsunami hit the area; recovery efforts ongoing
Event
The Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed at least 222 fatalities and 843 injuries as of 17:33 (local time) on Sunday, December 23, after a tsunami wave hit the Sunda Strait on the previous night. However, BNPB officials have not confirmed that any foreign nationals were killed in the incident. According to disaster officials, the tsunami has most significantly affected the coastal areas of Pandeglang, Serang, South Lampung, and Tanggamus regencies in western Java and southern Sumatra. At least 30 people are still missing, and the casualty count is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue in the impacted areas. Around 600 buildings including homes and hotels were heavily damaged by the wave. BNPB officials reported that heavy equipment is being deployed to remove debris and assist in recovery operations. Significant infrastructure damage is likely in the affected areas, including to telecommunication and transportation services.
Context
A three-foot surge of water hit the Sunda Strait at approximately 16:30 on Saturday, December 22. Officials believe that the tsunami was caused by an undersea landslide following an eruption at the Krakatoa volcano. Authorities did not issue a tsunami warning because no earthquake was recorded prior to the wave hitting the coast.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and anticipate infrastructure damage and disruptions, including for transportation and telecommunication.
