Death toll rises to 222 in Indonesian tsunami

Reuters - A tsunami killed at least 222 people and injured hundreds on the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra following an underwater landslide believed caused by the erupting Anak Krakatau volcano, officials and media said on Sunday (December 23). Search and rescue teams were rushing to dig under rubble and find people who may be trapped inside. Hundreds of homes and other buildings were "heavily damaged" when the tsunami struck along the rim of the Sunda Strait late on Saturday (December 22). Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate to higher ground. There was no estimate on the number of missing. 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 through till Dec. 25. Rescue workers and ambulances were finding it difficult to reach affected areas because some roads were blocked by debris from damaged houses, overturned cars, and fallen trees.