Indonesia tsunami - live: Hundreds dead amid desperate search for missing, as survivors describe horror
'I was afraid I would die'
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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Roads in Java and Sumatra remain blocked by water, floating cars and debris, impeding rescue efforts.
Witnesses said that water from the tsunami surged 15-20m inland.
Rescue efforts are continuing as night falls across Java and Sumatra on Sunday. Workers and ambulances are finding it difficult to reach many areas because of poor visibility and travelling conditions.
A tsunami warning siren that sent panicked residents in Java's Banten province running to safety was likely caused by a technical malfunction.
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency said that it had not triggered the warning, which was heard on Sunday.
Banten was badly affected by Saturday's tsunami, with some of the worst hit areas including beaches popular with tourists and the Ujung Kulon National Park.
Debris from damaged buildings and cars seen near the beach in Anyer, in Indonesia's Banten province.
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