The latest tsunami rocked Indonesia’s coast, highlighting the island nation’s vulnerability to natural disasters. On September 28 2023, coastal areas in Central Sulawesi again experienced serious threats when high waves caused by seismic activity rocked the area. With speeds of up to 800 km/h, these tsunami waves caused widespread damage, destroyed infrastructure and claimed lives. Based on the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) report, this tsunami was triggered by an earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale which shook the waters near Palu. After the earthquake, within a short time, high waves swept across coastal areas, carrying with them building debris and destroying houses. The worst affected areas were Donggala and Palu, where thousands of residents were forced to flee. Emergency assistance was quickly provided by the government and non-government organizations. The SAR team was deployed to search for victims and provide assistance to survivors. Soldiers and police were also deployed to help restore order and provide security to refugees living in temporary shelters. However, limited access to several areas caused the evacuation process to be slow. As a country located on the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, Indonesia has a long history of tsunami disasters. Previously, a large tsunami occurred in 2004 due to the Sumatra earthquake. This incident raised awareness of the importance of preparedness. Since then, Indonesia has strengthened its tsunami early warning system thanks to modern technology that identifies potential threats early. Along with these efforts, the public is also advised to be aware of the early signs of a tsunami, such as strong earthquakes and roaring sounds from the ocean. Education regarding evacuation and how to survive during a disaster also continues to be improved. The regional government also continues to carry out evacuation simulations to increase community preparedness to face a tsunami. Life in disaster-affected areas experiences long-term impacts. Experts estimate that recovery will take years. Damaged infrastructure must be repaired, while psychosocial rehabilitation programs for victims are urgently needed to help them recover from the trauma. Moreover, future challenges related to disaster risks will remain, so preparation cannot be ignored. To support the victims, the public is advised to donate through official institutions. These contributions are critical to long-term recovery. When conditions begin to improve, the rebuilding of infrastructure and communities will continue to be accelerated in order to return life to normal. By understanding the causes and impacts of this latest tsunami, we can be sure that Indonesia, even though it is vulnerable, will continue to try to improve its mitigation system and public education. Only with cooperation between governments, communities and individuals can we be better prepared for future natural disasters.
