Strengthening Wakatobi's Resilience: ITB Geophysics Team's Earthquake and Tsunami Mitigation Efforts
By M. Naufal Hafizh
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh
WAKATOBI, itb.ac.id - The Geophysics Engineering Team from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) carried out the 2024 ITB Bottom-Up Community Service Program titled "Community Capacity Building Assistance for Earthquake and Tsunami Mitigation" in Wapia-Pia Village, Wangi-Wangi District, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, on Monday (15/7/2024). This activity was led by Dr. Ir. Endra Gunawan, S.T., M.Sc., accompanied by five team members: Lila Nurrohmah, Fauzi Makarim, Kharisma Dwi Anggraheni, Samuel Valentino, and Feby Angriyani.
The field activities took place from July 15 to 26, 2024, in collaboration with Halu Oleo University and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The goal of this initiative is to enhance the community's capacity to face earthquake and tsunami risks.
Dr. Endra Gunawan explained that disaster mitigation requires a deep understanding of the processes and procedures that affected communities must follow. In the context of earthquake and tsunami mitigation, it is crucial to inform the community about the vulnerability status of their region to tsunamis.
"Mitigation activities are essentially conducted by those who understand the process and the necessary mitigation steps to assist affected communities. In the case of earthquakes and tsunamis, one key piece of information is the area's vulnerability status to tsunamis. Not all coastlines are vulnerable, but when an area is identified as tsunami-prone, the community must be guided through evacuation procedures beneficial to them," said Dr. Endra.
He emphasized the importance of analyzing information related to tsunami height and evacuation locations. "All this information is compiled and analyzed. Once we have a solid conclusion, we communicate it to the community and train them. We have over 5,000 villages potentially affected by earthquakes and tsunamis. This activity, particularly in Wakatobi, aims to enhance community capacity and serves as a starting point for other villages in the region to undertake similar initiatives," he added.
However, not all aspects proceeded smoothly. Team member Fauzi Makarim revealed obstacles in installing tsunami information boards. "The challenge was in the placement of the tsunami information boards. After consideration, the planned locations were not suitable, requiring the creation of new boards for the appropriate spots," he said.
This activity is a crucial first step expected to provide long-term benefits for the Wapia-Pia community and surrounding areas in facing earthquake and tsunami threats, setting an example for other regions to improve disaster preparedness.
Reporter: Rayhan Adri Fulvian (Geophysical Engineering, 2021)
Translator: Anggi Nurdiani (Management, 2024)
Editor: Hanifa Juliana (Urban and Regional Planning, 2020)
