Hundreds killed in ‘volcano tsunami’
TIDAL WAVES STRIKE INDONESIA
A TSUNAMI believed to be triggered by a volcanic eruption has killed at least 222 people in Indonesia during a busy holiday weekend, sweeping away hotels, hundreds of houses and a group of people attending a beach concert.
More than 800 people were reported injured after the tsunami hit around the Sunda Strait.
At least 28 others were missing, but the toll could continue to rise because some areas had not yet been reached.
Scientists including those from Indonesia’s Meteorology and Geophysics agency said the tsunami could have been caused by undersea landslides or those occurring above sea level on the Anak Krakatau volcano’s steep outside slope following the eruption. The volcano’s name translates to “Child of Krakatoa”, a volcanic island formed over years after one of the largest eruptions in recorded history occurred at the Krakatoa volcano more than a century ago. The scientists also cited tidal waves caused by the full moon.
Dramatic video posted on social media showed a pop band named Seventeen performing under a tent on a popular beach at a concert for employees of a stateowned electricity company.
Seconds later the stage suddenly heaved forward and buckled under the force of the water. The group released a statement saying their bass player, guitarist and road manager were found dead.