Dramatic video shows tsunami crashing into rock concert

Dramatic footage of a tsunami in Indonesia’s Sunda Strait shows large waves crashing into an outdoor stage where a local rock band was performing, killing a musician.

About 250 employees of the state utility company PLN attended the concert by Indonesian band “17” in Tanjung Lesung for an end-of-year event, company spokesperson I Made Suprateka told Reuters news agency.

At least seven people were killed, and 89 are missing after the waves hit the concert late on Saturday, the spokesperson said.

“The water washed away the stage which was located very close to the sea,” the band said in a statement.

“The water rose and dragged away everyone at the location. We have lost loved ones, including our bassist and manager…and others are missing.”

Coastal residents reported not seeing or feeling any warning signs, like receding water or an earthquake, before waves of up to two metres washed ashore, according to media.

Along the rim of the Sunda Strait, at least 168 people were killed and more than 700 wounded, and hundreds of homes and other buildings were “heavily damaged” by the tsunami.

Authorities warned residents and tourists in coastal areas around the Sunda Strait to stay away from beaches and a high-tide warning remained in place until December 25.

“Please do not be around the beaches around the Sunda Strait. Those who have evacuated, please do not return yet,” said Rahmat Triyono, an official at the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).

TV footage showed roads blocked by debris from damaged houses, overturned cars and fallen trees.

It was the latest in a series of tragedies that have struck Indonesia, a vast archipelago, in recent years.

On December 26 in 2004, an Indian Ocean tsunami triggered by an earthquake killed 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

SOURCE:
Al Jazeera and news agencies