On December 22, a deadly tsunami hit Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. Over 300 people have been reported dead and hundreds injured.
Authorities think that the currently-erupting Anak Krakatoa, a volcanic island situated in the Sunda Strait is the cause of the tsunami.
The red pin is where Anak Krakotoa lies. Image via Google Maps.
Tsunami hit without warning
Unlike previous tsunamis, the latest one was not preceded by an earthquake.
Instead, the volcanic eruption might have caused part of the volcano's side to collapse, triggering an underwater landslide. The displaced land can cause an abnormal tidal surge, resulting in a tsunami.
Because there was no earthquake to serve as a warning for those along the coastlines nearest to Anak Krakatoa, many people were caught off guard by the sudden water surge.
According to the Head of Public Relations at the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the December 22 eruption was not Anak Krakatoa's biggest.
Instead, the volcano had more violent eruptions in October and November this year. Here's a video and some photos of the eruption on December 22:
[video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2018/12/dlh2Iug3EqEh_7nI.mp4"][/video]
Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
As of December 25, the Indonesian authorities are still moving to provide assistance and supplies to affected areas. Here are some photos and footage of the aftermath, taken from Sutopo's Twitter:
According to Sutopo, more than 400 houses and 9 hotels collapsed, as of December 23. Many sea vessels were also damaged. Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
Areas along the coastline were also flattened. Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
Indonesian authorities, armed forces, and volunteers are trying to reach affected areas to deliver supplies and medical aid. Unfortunately, many of the the roads are damaged, hence access is restricted. Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
Indonesian armed forces and police jointly conduct search and rescue, as well s deliver supplies. Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
The tsunami knocked out wide swathes of electrical networks. Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
The death toll continues to rise. As of December 25, the estimated body count has reached 373. Here's a video of the search and rescue team extricating a body from the wreck:
[video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2018/12/oCb7zsGNr4Bgaw2s.mp4"][/video]
Volcano is still active, more tsunamis coming
While Indonesia is still reeling from Anak Krakatoa's damage, the authorities cautioned that there might be more tsunamis coming. According to Sutopo, Anak Krakatoa is still growing and has been erupting almost every day for the past three months:
Histogram showing activity from Anak Krakatoa. There has been an eruption almost every day for the past three months. Via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
Sutopo also cautioned that people should stay alert and keep out of the danger zone which covers a 2km radius from the crater.
Top images via Sutopo Purwo Nugroho Twitter.
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