The Night When the Sunda Strait Sends Waves

The wave came without any sign they recognized.

At 21.27 WIB, the sea level measuring device at Jambu Beach, Cinangka District, Serang Regency, recorded a water rise of around 90 centimeters. Six minutes later, a change in water level was recorded at Ciwandan Harbor. After that, waves were detected in Kota Agung and Panjang Harbor, Lampung.

In a number of locations, the height of the waves hitting land is much greater because it is influenced by the shape of the beach and the surface conditions of the area.

Residential areas, hotels, shops, vehicles and boats were swept away. The night that was previously filled with local activities turned into panic. People ran for high ground without knowing if the next wave would come.

At 21.30 WIB, BMKG officers began receiving reports about abnormally rising sea water on the coast of Banten and Lampung. They checked tide gauge data belonging to the Geospatial Information Agency.

The data confirmed something that was previously hard to believe: a tsunami had occurred even though there had been no tectonic earthquake.

At 22.30 WIB, BMKG announced that the wave that hit Banten and Lampung was a tsunami. The cause was later determined to be related to volcanic activity and the collapse of part of Anak Krakatau's body.

The disaster hit the coastal areas of Pandeglang, Serang, South Lampung, Tanggamus and Pesawaran Regencies. Pandeglang experienced the most severe impact.