Indonesia tsunami: HORRIFYING pictures show destruction caused by freak natural disaster
AT LEAST 168 people have been killed and hundreds injured after a tidal wave smashed into the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java last night, following a powerful volcanic eruption.
Indonesia: Homes and cars left destroyed after tsunami
Authorities are warning the death toll is likely to rise. The tsunami struck yesterday at around 9:30pm local time (2:30am GMT). Pictures taken from the region reveal utter devastation, with hundreds of buildings damaged.
The tsunami was caused by the eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano shortly after 9pm local time (2pm GMT).
The sudden movement of hot magma can cause underwater landslides, which in turn trigger a tsunami.
The eruption threw volcanic ash up to 500 meters into the air.
According to Indonesia’s geological agency, the eruption lasted for two minutes and 12 seconds.
READ MORE: Massive TSUNAMI strikes Indonesia leaving at least 168 DEAD
Shocking photos show locals sifting through the wreckage at the site.
In one a man walks with a bag of possessions past a collapsed building.
Another depicts a man carrying an electrical appliance away from the scene.
Further images reveal severe flooding and more property damage.
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A yellow vehicle can be seen overturned surrounded by chunks of brick.
Another car can be seen perched at the edge of a flooded street, with wooden debris scattered around.
So far deaths have been reported in the Serang, Pandeglang and South Lampung areas of Indonesia.
The Indonesian Red Cross is on the scene and assisting the government with rescue efforts.