Indonesia tsunami latest: Death toll rises to 373 amid fears volcano could spark new tidal wave

Patrick Grafton-Green24 December 2018

Fears are growing that more tsunamis could be triggered by the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano as the death toll from Saturday’s disaster in Indonesia rose to 373.

More than 1,000 people were injured in the tsunami, which is thought to have been triggered by underwater landslides resulting from volcanic activity.

Dozens are still missing and the number of victims is expected to increase once authorities hear from all affected areas.

The volcano erupted again on Sunday, with images showing it spewing ash and smoke.

An aerial picture showing the Anak Krakatau volcano spewing ash on Sunday
AFP/Getty Images

On Saturday night, waves reportedly as high as 10ft smashed into coastal towns on the islands of Sumatra and Java, smashing into houses, hotels and other buildings.

Since then of people have been searching debris-strewn beaches for victims.

The Indonesian Medical Association says it is sending more doctors and medical equipment and that many of the injured are in need of orthopaedic and neurosurgery expertise.

It says most patients are domestic tourists who were visiting the beach during the long holiday weekend.

Indonesia tsunami devastation

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It was the second deadly tsunami to hit Indonesia this year, but the one that struck the island of Sulawesi on September 28 was accompanied by a powerful earthquake that gave residents a brief warning before the waves struck.

The ground did not shake beforehand to alert people to the oncoming wave on Saturday.

Dramatic video posted on social media showed the Indonesian pop band Seventeen performing under a tent on Tanjung Lesung beach at a concert.

Dozens of people sat at tables while others stood near the stage as strobe lights flashed and theatrical smoke was released.

Seconds later, with the drummer pounding just as the next song was about to begin, the stage suddenly heaved forward and buckled under the force of the water, tossing the band and its equipment into the audience.

The group released a statement saying their bass player, guitarist and road manager were killed, while two other band members and the wife of one of the performers were missing.

"The tide rose to the surface and dragged all the people on site," the statement said. "Unfortunately, when the current receded, our members were unable to save themselves while some did not find a place to hold on."

Disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said on Monday morning that 281 deaths had been confirmed and at least 1,016 people were injured.

The worst-affected area was the Pandeglang region of Java's Banten province, which encompasses Ujung Kulon National Park and popular beaches, the agency said.

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo expressed his sympathy and ordered government agencies to respond quickly to the disaster.

"My deep condolences to the victims in Banten and Lumpung provinces," he said. "Hopefully, those who are left have patience."

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