were many buildings that were totally destroyed. Witnesses reported that waves were breaking several hundred meters inland at that location. Response Officials in Indonesia received information regarding the tsunami in the form of bulletins from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the Japan Meteorological Agency, but wanted to avoid panic, and did not attempt to disseminate the advisories to the public. Virtually no time was available to make that sort of effort (had the intention been to communicate the danger with the public) because some community leaders were sent text messages with pertinent information only minutes prior to the arrival of the first waves. The tsunami affected the coast of Java comprising mostly fishing villages and beach resorts that were unscathed following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and was also only several hundred kilometers distant from the region that saw heavy destruction just several months prior during the 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake. Trained research teams were already on the ground on Java responding to the May earthquake and began a survey of more than one hundred Muslim farmers, plantation laborers, and fishermen (or those with fishing-related occupations) that were affected by the tsunami. Almost two thirds of the group reported that they lived in permanent structures made of wood, brick, or cement, while the remainder lived in semi-permanent facilities made from earth or stone. The government was cited as the first responder for water, relocation and medical assistance, and helping with the deceased. For rescue, shelter, clothing, and locating missing people, individuals were listed as the primary provider, but 100% of those surveyed replied that the government should be responsible for relief. Most of those requiring aid stated that they were given effective assistance within 48 hours and that they were satisfied with the help. See also List of earthquakes in 2006 List of earthquakes in Indonesia References Sources Further reading External links M7.7 – south of Java, Indonesia – United States Geological Survey In pictures: Indonesian tsunami – BBC News 'Stealth' Tsunami That Killed 600 In Java Last Summer Had 65 Foot High Wave – ScienceDaily A comparison study of 2006 Java earthquake and other Tsunami earthquakes – University of California, Santa Barbara Tsunami Event – July 17, 2006 South Java – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Deadly Java Tsunami Caused by Slow-Moving Quake – National Geographic Society Officials failed to pass on tsunami warning – The Guardian Indonesia’s 2