Indonesian Port of Merak Reopens after Tsunami

Indonesian Port of Merak has reopened following a tsunami which struck the country’s coastline on Saturday.

The Port of Merak opened in the morning hours of December 24, GAC informed.

No change to draft restrictions at its two terminals, approach channels or anchorage is reported. However, vessels should be alert to the possibility of floating materials around the terminals, according to GAC.

Additionally, the Indonesian transportation ministry confirmed that Merak-Bakauheni ferry port facilities suffered no damages, Tempo.co reported.

Authorities warn residents and tourists in coastal areas around the Sunda Strait to stay away from beaches.

Bad weather and high waves of 2.5-4 meters are expected in the area until December 28.

At the Port of Banten, all activity has been stopped until further notice from the authority.

The tsunami was triggered by a combination of underwater landslides caused by the eruption of Mount Krakatoa and an abnormal tidal surge due to a new moon.

Dozens of buildings were destroyed, hundreds of people died and were injured after the wave hit coastal areas of South Sumatra and the western tip of Java. The worst affected area was the Pandeglang region of Banten province in Java.