The 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami (Indonesian: Tsunami Selat Sunda 2018) occurred on 22 December 2018 at around 21:38 local time after large parts of the southwestern side of Anak Krakatoa collapsed onto its caldera. The landslide spawned a tsunami wave that struck multiple coastal regions in Banten and Lampung, including the tourist destination of Anyer.
Lack of warnings on the arrival of the tsunami, coinciding with the Christmas and New Year holiday season in the nation and the tsunami occurring at nighttime, contributed to the large loss of life. With 426 deaths, the tsunami was the deadliest volcanic tsunami in Indonesia since the 1883 Krakatoa tsunami, which originated from the same island.
Following the tsunami, Indonesian authorities installed multiple emergency early warning systems in tsunami-prone areas. The newer system would detect any significant disturbances on water levels, including changes caused by volcanic activity or undersea landslide.
Why this event still matters
Historical incidents shape the rules that protect people today — building codes, evacuation policy, warning systems and inspection regimes almost always trace back to a specific disaster. Studying 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami alongside current events is how preparedness improves.
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