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Desperate efforts to determine whether Aussies among dead in Indonesian tsunami


The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to determine if any Australians are among the 222 dead in a tsunami which hit beaches in Indonesia.

The tsunami devastated the tourist hotspot of Tanjung Lesung, near Jakarta, as well as beaches in South Lampung and Serang in the Sunda Strait area between the islands of Java and Sumatra on Saturday night.

“We understand that at present there are no foreigners, let alone Australians, who have been impacted by this,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Sunday.

The Australian Embassy in Jakarta was making “urgent enquiries” to find out if any Australians were affected, a DFAT spokesperson said.

A tsunami has hit Indonesia cause more than 222 deaths.
The Australian Embassy in Jakarta was making “urgent enquiries” to find out if any Australians were affected by the tsunami which hit Indonesia over the weekend. Source: AAP

The deadly wave was believed to have been triggered by an underwater landslide from volcanic eruptions and comes three months after more than 2500 people were killed by an earthquake and tsunami which hit the city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi.

“This is a terrible blow for Indonesia,” Mr Morrison said.

“This comes on top of what had happened in Sulawesi and so as always, we’re available to support the Indonesian government with these things, as requested.

“There have been no such requests. I’m not anticipating any on this occasion. But should they present, then obviously we will work with the Indonesian government as they request.”

damaged building in Banten, after the Indonesia was hit by a tsunami following an eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano.
A view of damaged building in Banten, after the area was hit by a tsunami following an eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano. Source: AAP

Oxfam was preparing to send an assessment team to the area and respond as required.

“We know affected communities will need food and access to clean water,” Oxfam Australia’s Humanitarian Manager Meg Quartermaine said.

People were seen running in fear from the monster waves after the tsunami hit, according to Indonesia media.

The country’s climatology agency believes an eruption of the Mount Anak Krakatau volcano could have caused the tsunami.

The death toll is expected to grow.