Tsunami hits Java

A tsunami has struck beach resorts on the Indonesian island of Java, causing widespread devastation.

Officials have stated that at least 300 people have been killed by the two-metre high rush of water, which hit the popular tourist destination of Pangandaran, just south of Jakarta.

As many as 140 people are still missing in the region, after many fled to high ground and gathered inland in mosques and other large buildings as the wave came closer.

Java was recently hit by a strong earthquake which killed thousands of people just a few weeks ago and this latest incident will come as a huge blow to the people of Java and its economy.

Although a tsunami warning system was installed across much of Indonesia following the devastating wave which killed so many people on Boxing Day 2004, no such system has yet been installed on Java.

The tsunami on this occasion was triggered by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter Scale, with the epicentre 150 miles south-west of Java and 30 miles beneath the Indian Ocean.