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Indonesia 'volcanic tsunami': Officials advice caution as 3-metre tidal wave sweeps houses away in Palu and Donggala

A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-metre-tall tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities.

FP Staff December 23, 2018 16:07:39 IST
A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-metre-tall tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. Reuters
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A powerful earthquake rocked the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday, triggering a 3-metre-tall tsunami that an official said swept away houses in at least two cities. Reuters
Indonesian media showed a smartphone video of a powerful wave hitting Palu, with people screaming and running in fear. The water smashed into buildings and a large mosque that collapsed under the force. Reuters
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Indonesian media showed a smartphone video of a powerful wave hitting Palu, with people screaming and running in fear. The water smashed into buildings and a large mosque that collapsed under the force. Reuters
Houses were swept away and families were reported missing, a disaster agency spokesperson said, adding that mobile networks and power supply in the area were affected. Reuters
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Houses were swept away and families were reported missing, a disaster agency spokesperson said, adding that mobile networks and power supply in the area were affected. Reuters
Military troops were deployed in Palu and Donggala and the police also mobilised to help the emergency response apart from the personnel from the search-and-rescue and disaster agencies. AP
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Military troops were deployed in Palu and Donggala and the police also mobilised to help the emergency response apart from the personnel from the search-and-rescue and disaster agencies. AP
“People are encouraged to remain vigilant,” the spokesperson said. “It is better not to be in a house or building because the potential for aftershocks can be dangerous. People are encouraged to gather in safe areas. Avoid the slopes of hills.” Getty Images
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“People are encouraged to remain vigilant,” the spokesperson said. “It is better not to be in a house or building because the potential for aftershocks can be dangerous. People are encouraged to gather in safe areas. Avoid the slopes of hills.” Getty Images
“It was so strong. The strongest I ever felt. We all ran out of buildings,” said Yanti, a 40-year-old housewife in Donggala. Reuters
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“It was so strong. The strongest I ever felt. We all ran out of buildings,” said Yanti, a 40-year-old housewife in Donggala. Reuters
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN officials were in contact with Indonesian authorities and “stand ready to provide support as required.”. AP
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UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UN officials were in contact with Indonesian authorities and “stand ready to provide support as required.”. AP