Java, December 23: A tragic tsunami triggered by volcanic eruptions has hit beaches in Indonesia, killing at least 168 people after the waves hit the coast around Sunda Strait, the expanse between the islands of Java and Sumatra. Over 600 people have been reported injured when the tsunami hit about 9:30 pm (1430 GMT) on Saturday, spokesman for Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation said. The deaths were reported in the South Lampung, Serang and Pandeglang regions. Tsunami in Indonesia: 384 Killed After 7.5 Earthquake Hits Coastal Indonesian City, Rescue Operations Underway.

The waves were so strong that hundreds of building were destroyed, the government and witnesses said. The disaster management agency warned that the death toll is likely to rise, adding that high seas as a result of the full moon may also have contributed to the strength of the waves.

In a shocking video, a "Rock Band" playing in a tent near the shore was seen hit by the powerful waves. Indonesia Earthquake, Tsunami Death Toll Reaches 1,763, Search Mission Extended.

Watch Shocking Visuals:

Norwegian photographer, Oystein Andersen, at Anyer Beach in West Java, said " I was on the beach. I was alone, my family were sleeping in a room."

"I was trying to photograph the erupting Krakatoa volcano. Earlier in the evening, there was quite a heavy eruption activity. But just prior to the waves hitting the beach, there was no activity at all. It was just dark out there," he told BBC. "And suddenly I saw this wave coming, and I had to run. There were two waves. The first wave wasn't that strong -- I could run from it," he said.

The worst affected area was the Pandeglang region of Banten province in Java, where, most of the deaths were reported. In southern Sumatra's Bandar Lampung city, hundreds of residents took refuge at the governor's office.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes because it lies on the Ring of Fire- a region in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. Earlier in September, at least 2,500 people were killed by a powerful earthquake and tsunami which hit the city of Palu on the island of Sulawesi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 23, 2018 09:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).