US Geological Survey Unable To Provide Indonesia Tsunami Data Due To Government Shutdown

An underwater landslide caused by activity from the Anak Krakatau volcano is being blamed for a tsunami that struck Indonesia late Saturday, killing at least 222 people and injuring more than 800 others. Normally, the U.S. Geological Survey would report on such events and provide any necessary data it had to the public. But it can't due to America's partial government shutdown, which began Saturday after President Donald Trump refused to sign legislation that didn't include funding for his southern border wall. From a report: The USGS website is dormant as of Sunday, except for a notice at the top. 'Due to a lapse in appropriations, the majority of USGS websites may not be up to date and may not reflect current conditions,' the note reads. 'Websites displaying real-time data, such as Earthquake and Water and information needed for public health and safety will be updated with limited support.' According to the government shutdown contingency plan, the USGS will retain just 75 of its estimated 8,032 employees, or 0.9 percent. 'The USGS will suspend the majority of its activities with the exception of those functions to protect life and property,' the plan states. The document also claims that 450 employees will be 'on call' for natural disasters, but it's unclear if that process has been enacted, as the USGS website says the agency is not 'able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.'

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