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Death toll in Indonesia tsunami rises to 281

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Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says those numbers may still rise since not all affected areas have been reached. (Photo | AP)
Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho says those numbers may still rise since not all affected areas have been reached. (Photo | AP)
The disaster could have been caused by undersea landslides from the eruption of Anak Krakatau, a volcanic island formed over years from the nearby Krakatau volcano, scientists from Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said. They also cited tidal waves caused by the full moon. (Photo | AP)
The worst affected area was the Pandeglang region of Banten province in Java, which encompasses the Ujung Kulon National Park and popular beaches, the disaster agency said.A spokesman said 168 deaths have been confirmed so far and another 30 people are missing. He said those numbers may still rise since not all affected areas have been reached. (Photo | AP)
Physical losses included 430 heavily damaged homes, nine heavily damaged hotels and 10 heavily damaged vessels. Footage posted by the head of the disaster agency showed the aftermath of flooded streets and an overturned car. (Photo | AP)
Tourists were also affected during the long holiday weekend ahead of Christmas. Australia and New Zealand said they have no information their citizens were among the victims but were continuing to check. (Photo | AP)
Gegar Prasetya, co-founder of the Tsunami Research Center Indonesia, said the waves were likely caused by a flank collapse — when a big section of a volcano's slope gives way. He said it's possible for an eruption to trigger a landslide above ground or beneath the ocean, both capable of producing a tsunami. (Photo | AP)
The destructive wave left a trail of uprooted trees and debris strewn across beaches. A tangled mess of corrugated steel roofing, timber and rubble was dragged inland at Carita beach, a popular spot for day-trippers on the west coast of Java. (Photo | AP)
Heavy equipment was being transported to badly hit areas to help search for victims and evacuation posts and public kitchens were being set up for evacuees. (Photo | AP)
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