Indonesians call for better response to tsunami disaster

Government urged to provide more help after hundreds killed in devastation.

The death toll from a tsunami on the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra jumped to at least 373 as rescue workers stepped up efforts to reach many areas swept away by the deadly waves.

The tsunami hit the Indonesian strait on Saturday almost without warning in the darkness, smashing into houses, hotels and other buildings.

Government and non-government aid trickled into Pandeglang, the worst-affected area on Java’s west coast, as Indonesian President Joko Widodo expressed his sympathy and ordered government agencies to respond quickly to the disaster.

But many survivors are concerned about the inability of the disaster management authorities to predict the devastating waves.

 

Al Jazeera’s Rob McBride reports from Anyer District – on the west coast of Java