Table of contents:
- The impact of the tsunami disaster
- 1. Floods and standing water
- 2. Damage to facilities and infrastructure
- 3. Environmental pollution
- 4. Victims of property and life
- What should be done in the face of a tsunami?
- Before the tsunami
- When the tsunami came
- After the tsunami waves
Tsunami comes from Japanese, tsu which means port, and nami which means wave. Tsunamis are known as harbor waves because their destructive power is only visible when they reach a port or shore. Movement of the seabed soil layer, can cause tsunami waves. Tsunami waves have a pattern of wave velocity and height. As the waves approach the shore, the height will increase while the speed decreases.
On December 12, 1992, the tsunami in Flores claimed 2,100 lives with a wave height of 26 meters. On June 3, 1994, the tsunami in Banyuwangi claimed 240 lives with a wave height of up to 13 meters. And the biggest event was on December 26, 2004, namely the tsunami in Aceh and North Sumatra which claimed 200,000 lives with waves reaching a height of 30 meters. The tsunami events mentioned above are three of the 75 tsunami wave disasters that have hit Indonesia in the last 100 years.
Here is some information from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) that you should know about tsunamis.
The impact of the tsunami disaster
1. Floods and standing water
In some areas of Banda Aceh, the tsunami created a pool of sea water of around 20-60cm, and left a mud deposit of 10-20cm thick.
2. Damage to facilities and infrastructure
In Banda Aceh, about 120 hectares of agricultural land were damaged and inundated by sea water. This damage does not include damage to buildings, bridges and roads.
3. Environmental pollution
Tsunamis wash objects away from both oceans and land. Anything that was stranded and useless would become trash. In addition, clean water sources will also be polluted by sea water.
4. Victims of property and life
With the power of a wave, a tsunami can destroy objects in its path. Like the three tsunami events mentioned above, a tsunami is one of the natural disasters that has claimed many lives.
What should be done in the face of a tsunami?
Before the tsunami
- Recognize the signs of a tsunami. Tsunamis are usually preceded by a large earthquake measuring at least 6.5 on the Richter scale. Before the tsunami waves come, sea water will recede past the normal coastline and usually there will also be a strong salt scent.
- If you live on the beach, be aware of the evacuation route to a safe place in the event of a tsunami. Such as the fastest route to a high place that is not reached by tsunami waves or choose a tall building (at least 3 floors) with strong construction.
- Always be vigilant because a tsunami disaster will come suddenly.
When the tsunami came
- Don't panic. You have to act fast when a tsunami comes. Panic will keep you from thinking clearly about your way out.
- Move according to the tsunami evacuation route. If you don't know the evacuation route, move to a higher place (remember the height of inundation due to tsunami waves can be up to 24 meters).
- If you believe that the signs you are seeing are signs of a tsunami, warn everyone. Invite your family and people around you to save yourself.
- If you don't find a plateau, look for a building with a strong construction. At least three floors. Don't choose a building that looks fragile and old. Take cover on a safe floor, and wait for things to improve.
- If the tsunami waves wash over you, look for floating objects that can be used as a raft, such as tree trunks. Try not to drink sea water and stay on the surface to breathe.
- If the waves are taking you to high ground, such as the roof of your house, try to stay there and wait for the water to recede and things calm down.
After the tsunami waves
Panic and sadness will color around us after the tsunami hits. Don't get lost in that atmosphere, try to stay calm and strengthen your heart to face reality. After the tide recedes, you may intend to return home, but follow the call of the rescue team and do not cross the damaged roads.
When you get home, don't enter right away. Watch out for collapsed parts of the house or if the floor is slippery. Don't forget to check your family members one by one. Avoid electrical installations and cables to avoid electric shock.
After the tsunami disaster, many people experienced physical and mental stress. Give support to your family and friends, especially those who have gone through a lot of suffering, terrible experiences and loss. Take care of your own health by eating well and getting enough rest, so that you can help others.
