Sunda Strait Tsunami Death Toll Reaches 43 People

Jakarta, MINA — The death toll of tsunami and high waves that hit some coasts in Sunda Strait, particularly in South Lampung, as well as Pandenglang and Serang in Banten has reached 43 people, Antara News reported, citing the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

The Head of BNPB Information Data Center Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said in a statement here on Sunday, data collected until 7.00 a.m. local time showed that the tsunamis and high waves killed 43 people, injured 584 people, and two people are missing.

The natural disasters also heavily damaged 430 houses, nine hotels, and dozens of boats. The number of refugees is still calculated.

Pandeglang is the most severely affected area. Data collected from Pandeglang District show that 33 people died and 491 people are injured.

The areas affected by the disaster are settlements and tourist areas along some beaches of Tanjung Lesung, Sumur, Teluk Lada, Penimbang and Carita.

There were many tourists on the beach along Pandeglang when the high waves hit the areas.

Whereas in South Lampung there are seven people died, 89 people are injured and 30 houses are severely damaged. Meanwhile, in Serang there are three people died, four people are injured and two people are missing.

According to Sutopo, information and data is still being collected. It is possible that the number of victims and damage will continue to increase.

He said the emergency actions will be continued. The emergency response status and emergency response organizational structure, establishment of emergency posts, public kitchens and other facilities are being prepared.

Heavy equipment has also been mobilized for evacuation and emergency actions.

The Agency urges people not to do activities around coasts and beaches at the moment.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency and the Geological Agency are still conducting studies to find out the exact causes of the tsunamis and high waves, and the aftershocks possibility. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)