In 1883 , the original settlement was completely destroyed by a series of tsunamis generated by the eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in the Sunda Strait . The largest wave at Merak was estimated to be at least 41 m ( 135 ft ) high . Approximately 2,700 people lost their lives , including virtually all of the town 's inhabitants at that time
eruption of the Krakatoa volcano
1883 eruption of Krakatoa
Port of Merak