Indonesia tsunami - live: Hundreds dead amid desperate search for missing, as survivors describe horror

'I was afraid I would die'

Indonesia tsunami: Horrifying moment deadly waves wipe out stage as band play

A tsunami in Indonesia has killed at least 222 people and injured hundreds, following an underwater landslide caused by the eruption of island volcano Krakatoa.

Hundreds of buildings were “heavily damaged” when the tsunami struck the Sunda Strait and the nearby islands of Java and Sumatra late on Saturday. Thousands fled after the wave hit and it is unclear how many residents are missing.

Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency said that the tsunami was exacerbated by an abnormally high tide, caused by the full moon. A tide warning remains in place through 25 December.

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Key Points

• Tsunami sweeps away boyband concert, killing bassist and manager
• 222 dead after 20m wave hits islands
• Rescue workers unable to reach affected areas

[23 December 2018 08:52 · Zamira Rahim]

Welcome to our live coverage of the aftermath of the Indonesian tsunami

[23 December 2018 08:53 · Zamira Rahim]

At least 168 people have been killed and 745 injured by the wave

[23 December 2018 08:54 · Zamira Rahim]

The tsunami was caused by the erupting Anak Krakatoa volcano, according to officials

[23 December 2018 09:06 · Zamira Rahim]

The tsunami has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, after the wave flattened buildings across the islands of Java and Sumatra. Rescue officials are unable to estimate how many people are missing.

Residents and tourists have been asked to avoid coastal areas, as a high tide warning remains in place.

[23 December 2018 09:09 · Zamira Rahim]

Rescue workers and ambulances are struggling to reach areas affected by the tsunami, after roads on Java and Sumatra were blocked by debris from damaged houses, wrecked cars and fallen trees.

[23 December 2018 09:21 · Zamira Rahim]

Officials estimate that the wave which hit Indonesia was around 20m high when it arrived inland.

Cars have been left floating as water fills the streets.

[23 December 2018 09:28 · Zamira Rahim]

430 homes and 9 hotels have been severely damaged by the wave.

[23 December 2018 09:39 · Zamira Rahim]

Partygoers screamed after tsunami waves swept Indonesian rock band Seventeen from the stage of a beachside concert.

Four of the band's members were killed and its drummer is missing.

"Underwater I could only pray 'Jesus Christ help!" Zack, a crew member of the rock band, said in an Instagram post.

"In the final seconds I almost ran out of breath," he said, adding that he survived by clinging to part of the collapsed stage.

[23 December 2018 09:43 · Zamira Rahim]

Java's Baten province, filled with popular beaches which are a draw for tourists, is one of the worst affected areas.

"I had to run, as the wave passed the beach and landed 15-20m (meters, or 50-65 feet) inland," Norwegian Oystein Lund Andersen wrote on Facebook.

He said he was taking pictures of the volcano when he suddenly saw the water come toward him. 

"Next wave entered the hotel area where I was staying and downed cars on the road behind it," he wrote

"Managed to evacuate with my family to higher ground (through) forest paths and villages, where we are taken care of (by) the locals. Were unharmed, thankfully."

[23 December 2018 09:51 · Zamira Rahim]

Panicked residents are searching for their missing loved ones, as the rescue operation struggles to progress.