West Java tsunami kills eight: Indonesia President

Jakarta, July 17: A powerful earthquake sent a two-metre high tsunami crashing into a beach resort on Indonesia's Java island, killing at least eight people and causing extensive damage to hotels and houses.

Indonesian President Susilo Yudhoyono has also confirmed the tsunami.

The tsunami followed a 7.2-magnitude quake that struck deep beneath the Indian Ocean, 240 kilometres southwest of Java's western coast at 3:24 pm (1354 IST), causing tall buildings to sway as far as capital Jakarta.

It was followed by a 6.1-magnitude aftershock two hours later.

Some offices in Jakarta have also been evacuated.

India has issued a tsunami warning for its Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are located west of Indonesia.

Reuters

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