The monstrous tsunami in the aftermath of an underwater landslide triggered by the eruption of Krakatoa volcano at 9.03m local time on Saturday, December 22. The tidal wave then struck the Sunda Strait region between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra 24 minutes later. Indonesian authorities have so far confirmed 222 were killed by the tsunami and another 843 were injured and 28 are missing. Among the confirmed dead are members of the Indonesian band Seventeen who were playing a concert when the tsunami struck. Some members of the band’s crew are still missing.
The tsunami comes just 14 years after the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami killed 226,000 people in 2004.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, chief of public relations at the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, confirmed in a tweet at least 556 houses were levelled by the tsunami.
Evacuations are now underway across the island of Java.
Follow Express.co.uk for the latest Indonesia tsunami updates below:
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Indonesia Tsunami: A deadly tidal wave struck Indonesia after Krakatoa erupted (Image: EPA/REUTERS)
11.30am: Krakatoa eruption threatens travel chaos before Christmas
A giant ash cloud spewed by the erupting volcano could stall flights in the region, causing widespread travel has before Christmas.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued a red warning for air quality, warning the ash cloud was spotted at an altitude of 55,000ft.
Read the full story here: Huge Krakatoa volcanic ASH CLOUD threatens holiday travel CHAOS
11.25am: More than 550 building wrecked by the tsunami
Disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho confirmed in a tweet a total of 556 houses were destroyed by the tsunami.
Mr Nugroho said the destructive tidal wave also truck nine hotels, 60 “culinary stalls”.
A total of 350 boats were also destroyed in the cataclysm.
In response, Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered all Government agencies to respond to the disaster.
He said in a statement: “My deep condolences to the victims in Banten and Lumpung provinces.”
11.20am: Australian Prime Minister vows to help Indonesia
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison assured the people of Indonesia in a tweet, the country is ready to provide aid in the time of need.
Mr Morrison said: “A very difficult day for our friends in Indonesia.
“Our thoughts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and all of their families.
“As always we stand ready to assist as needed.”
11.19am: Krakatoa volcano active since June
The volcano which is understood to have triggered the tsunami was being observed for signs of activity since at least June.
Anak Krakatoa has been on a high-level watchlist for at least 90-years and occasionally spews clouds of smoke into the sky.
Earlier in October this year, the volcano fired lava bombs into ten skies, one of which nearly hit a tourist boat.
The monster volcano’s 1883 eruption in 1883 is counted among the most powerful volcanic blasts on record.
11am: Indonesia tsunami death on the rise – 222 killed
The death toll is expected to rise further after officials have confirmed the number of victims now stands at 222 dead.
Mr Nugroho of the disaster mitigation agency said: “222 people are dead, 843 people are injured and 28 people are missing.
“This number is predicted to increase because not all victims have been successfully evacuated, not all health centres have reported victims and not all locations have got complete data.”
Authorities have warned local residents and tourists to stay away from the coast and beaches until at least Christmas Day, December 25.
Lund Andersen, a Norwegian holidaymaker who was in Indonesia when the tsunami struck, said: “I had to run, as the wave passed the beach and landed 15-20 metres inland. Next wave entered the hotel area where I was staying and downed cars on the road behind it.
“Managed to evacuate with my family to higher ground through forest paths and villages, where we are taken care of by the locals.”
Indonesia tsunami: The island’s coast will remain closed to the public until Christmas Day (Image: EPA)
10.50am: Horrifying pictures reveal chaos and destruction of deadly tsunami
The first images of the destruction caused by the Indonesia tsunami reveal levelled houses, overturned cars and debris littering the island of Java.
Photos show local residents sifting through the rubble of their deterred homes as authorities urge people to evacuate.
Many of the collapsed buildings are simple wooden structures not built to withstand the tremendous force of nature.
See more of the heartbreaking pictures here: HORRIFYING pictures show destruction caused by freak natural disaster
10: 40am: Is it safe to travel to Indonesia? Latest tourist warnings in place
Indonesian authorities have advised tourists and locals alike to stay clear of the affected coastal areas.
Rahmat Triyono, head of the meteorological agency said: “Please do not be around the beaches around the Sunda Strait.
“Those who have evacuated, please do not return yet.”
The massively popular Pandeglang region is one of the worst affected by the tsunami.
Read more about the latest travel warnings here: Is it safe to visit Indonesia? Tourists warned stay AWAY from beach
Indonesia tsunami: Locals and tourists are urged to stay away from the coast (Image: EPA)
10.30am: Indonesia tsunami map – Cataclysm strikes Sunda Strait
According to Mr Nugroho of the Disaster Management agency, the worst hit area was the coastal Pandeglang district.
He said: “We are still gathering information. The worst hit area is Pandeglang district, along the coastal area, including residential and tourist areas in the Tanjung Lesung beach, Lesung beach, Teluk Lada, Panimbang and Carita beach.”
And the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency confirmed Krakatoa volcano erupted at 9.03pm local time.
The deadly tsunami stuck Indonesia just 24 minutes later.
The agency said: “It’s possible the materials around Anak Krakatau collapsed to the sea and triggered the tsunami and affected beaches around Sunda Strait.”
Read more here: Where did the deadly Indonesia earthquake strike?
Indonesia tsunami: Officials have confirmed 556 buildings were destroyed by the tidal wave (Image: AFP/GETTY)
10.20am: Indonesian band pays tribute to members killed by tsunami
Members of the rock band Seventeen paid tribute to their colleagues and crew members after the tidal wave struck their concert.
Lead singer Riefian Fajarsyah said through tears in an emotional video: “We lost our bassist Bani and our road manager Oki.
“Andi and Herman and Ujang have not been found.
Please pray so that my wife Dylan will be found soon.
“The rest are thankfully safe although suffering from injuries and broken bones.
Please pray so my wife Dylan, Andi and Herman and Ujang can be found soon.”
Read the full story here: Watch HORROR as rock band WASHED AWAY by ‘volcano tidal wave’
10.10am: Shocking video shows harrowing aftermath of tsunami
Video footage recorded after the tsunami struck Indonesia on Saturday reveals the true scale of destruction along the coast.
The powerful tidal wave, which struck in the Sunda Strait area, has destroyed more than 500 buildings.
The recorded footage shows piles of rubble, debris and trees littering a coastal area.
Read the full story here: HARROWING video captures catastrophic aftermath of wave – 168 DEAD
Indonesia tsunami: Evacuations in the Sunda Strait area are now underway (Image: TWITTER)
10.05am: Partygoers scream as tsunami hits Seventeen concert
Revellers were forced to flee for their lives after the deadly tsunami wave struck a beachside concert in Indonesia.
The performing rock band, Seventeen, has confirmed four of its members were killed by the tidal wave.
Bassist M. Awal “Bani” Purbani, road manager Oki Wijaya, guitarist Herman Sikumbang and crew member Ujang have died.
The band’s drummer is also listed as missing.
Lead singer Riefian “Ifan” Fajarsyah said: “Lost Bani and our road manager Oki.”
10am: Widespread evacuation underway
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, has confirmed via tweet locals are being evacuated from the Indonesian coastline.
In a 6am UK time update, Mr Nugroho said so far 556 houses have been destroyed or damaged by the tidal wave.