Indonesia tsunami 2018 update: Queen Elizabeth ‘deeply saddened’ by devastating tsunami

The British monarch and her husband Prince Philip have sent their condolences to the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo, as well as the Indonesian people. A tsunami struck the country’s Sunda Strait on Saturday. The Queen said: “Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life following the devastating tsunami in Indonesia.

“We send our sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones, and those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected.

“I pay tribute to the courage and dedication of the emergency services and the volunteers that are providing support. Elizabeth R.”

What happened in Indonesia over the weekend? 

More than 1,400 people were injured and 128 are still missing on the islands of Java and Sumatra, an official said on Monday.

The tsunami was caused by Anak Krakatau, a volcanic island which experienced a crater collapse late on Saturday together with a high tide set off waves that smashed into coastal areas.

Rescuers using heavy machinery and their bare hands searched through debris, pulling out bodies in the worst-affected areas on the west coast of Java island, where and hundreds of soldiers and volunteers looked for victims along a 100 km (60 mile) stretch of shore.

President Joko Widodo visited the affected area on Monday and praised the authorities for swift action in responding to the latest disaster.

He said: “The speed and accuracy in the field is to be appreciated.”

Saturday’s tsunami came with almost no warning and destroyed more than 700 buildings, from small shops and houses to villas and hotels. 

The time between the landslide and waves hitting the coast was just 24 minutes.

Nurjana, 20, dashed to the mountains after the tsunami hit. Her beachside snack stall was washed away.

She said to Reuters:”I opened the door straight away and saved myself. I jumped over the wall,” 

“Everything is destroyed.”