Earthquake Creates Deadly Tsunami in Java

UPDATED AT 9:37 a.m. ET

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP)—A powerful earthquake sent a 6-foot-high tsunami crashing into beach resorts along Indonesia's Java island Monday, killing around 20 people and causing extensive damage to hotels, restaurants and homes, witnesses and officials said.

Thousands of people fled to higher ground along a 110-mile stretch of the densely populated island's southern coast, some shouting "tsunami, tsunami'' and climbing trees or crowding into mosques to pray.

Indonesia was the worst hit by the 2004 tsunami and has installed a warning system across much of Sumatra island, but not on Java, which just seven weeks ago was hit by a powerful quake that killed thousands.

The extent of damage from Monday's wave was not immediately clear, police said, with roads blocked and power cut to much of the area.

Santi, a tourist at Pangandaran resort, which according to initial reports appeared to be hardest hit, told The Associated Press she saw around 20 bodies piled up at a local health clinic. Many Indonesians only go by one name.

Officials at the clinic could not immediately be reached for comment. Earlier police and other witnesses said they saw up to six corpses among the debris, but it was not clear if they were part of the same toll.

The epicenter of the 7.2-magnitude quake that spawned the wave was 48 kilometers (30 miles) beneath the Indian Ocean and 240 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Java. It caused tall buildings to sway as far off as the capital Jakarta, and was followed by a series of strong aftershocks.

Waves measuring between 10 and 20 centimeters (3 to 7 inches) were also recorded on Indonesia's resort island of Bali and near Australia's Coco Islands, meteorological officials said.

• How Tsunamis Work
• Special Report: The 2004 Indonesian Tsunami