Five Killed After 7.2-Magnitude Earthquake Spawns Tsunami in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A powerful earthquake sent a two-meter high tsunami crashing into a beach resort on Indonesia's Java island Monday, killing at five people and causing extensive damage to hotels, restaurants and homes, the president and witnesses said.

People fled to a nearby hill to escape the wave on Pangandaran beach in west Java, a woman who identified herself only as Teti told el-Shinta radio station.

CountryWatch: Indonesia

"All the houses are destroyed along the beach," she said, adding that at least three people were killed and four others missing.

The tsunami followed a 7.2-magnitude quake that struck deep beneath the Indian Ocean 150 miles southwest of Java's western coast at 3:24 p.m., causing tall buildings to sway as far off as the capital Jakarta.

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

Transport Minister Hatta Radjasa said he had heard reports about a tsunami striking two seaside towns, and urged people living on Java's southern coast to move inland in an orderly fashion.

"Everyone should move from the beach," he told el-Shinta.
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