About us. UNOSAT. Indonesia's tsunami warning system failed because it was broken. By Mail Foreign Service Updated: 16:35 GMT, 28 October 2010 The early warning system installed after the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia failed to alert islanders to the latest deadly wave because it had fallen into disrepair, officials revealed. The death toll from the double natural disaster has risen to more than 340 and hundreds more are still missing in the wake of a 10ft tsunami and volcano eruption. A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the ocean floor off western Sumatra on Monday, triggering a tsunami that smashed ashore and demolished entire villages.
Destruction: This aerial photograph shows the remains of a village that was swept away by the tsunami in North Pagai island, one of the Mentawai islands Human cost: Villagers stand near the bodies of tsunami victims in Pasapuat, Silabu Island, West Sumatra Relief: A member of a rescue team looks out at North Pagai island as his ship delivers aid to survivors Swamped: A lot of land is still underwater after the tsunami.