A powerful tsunami thought to be related to the eruption of Anak Krakatau arrived onshore at about 9:30 p.m. local time on December 22, causing deaths, injuries and damage on both sides of the Sunda Strait, which runs between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. Initial reports indicate that at least 429 people have been killed, nearly 1,500 have been injured and more than 16,000 have been displaced, though these numbers are likely to increase in the days to come, as information from remote areas continues to come in. International Medical Corps is already working with a local aid organization to assess the most urgent needs (which, based on initial reports, include medical supplies, temporary shelters, food, household items and clean water) and stands ready to support the government of Indonesia to provide relief to the women, men and children affected by this disaster.
This tsunami comes just three months after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake caused a tsunami that struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. With more than 2,000 deaths and 206,000 people displaced by that disaster, International Medical Corps is continuing to provide relief to the families affected.