24 Dec 2018 | 06:48 PM UTC
Indonesia: Tsunami death toll rises to 373 as of December 24 /update 3
Indonesian officials confirm at least 373 fatalities in the Sunda Strait as of December 24 following December 22 tsunami; recovery efforts ongoing
Event
The Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed at least 373 fatalities and over 1459 injuries as of Monday, December 24, after a tsunami wave hit the Sunda Strait on Saturday, December 22. At least 128 people remain 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. Severe infrastructure damage was also reported along coastal areas; further disruptions to telecommunication, water, and electricity supply are possible in the near term. According to the agency, the areas most affected by the tsunami have been the coastal areas of Pandeglang, Serang, South Lampung, and Tanggamus regencies in western Java, and southern Sumatra. BNPB officials reported that heavy equipment is being deployed to remove debris and assist in recovery operations.
Local authorities have warned to avoid coastal areas until at least December 27, particularly the southern coasts of Sumatra, Java, and Bali islands, the southern coasts of West and East Nusa Tenggara provinces, and the northern coasts of Papua and West Papua provinces due to forecast high tide. The Indonesia Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) has forecast waves of between 1.25-2.5 m (4-8 ft) in affected parts of Indonesia, as well as strong winds in the coming days.
Context
A 1 m (3 ft) surge of water hit the Sunda Strait at approximately 16:30 (local time) on Saturday, December 22. Officials believe that the wave was caused by an undersea landslide following an eruption at the Krakatoa volcano. Authorities did not issue a tsunami warning because since 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.
