Learned from Experience, BMKG Reminds People The Non-Tectonic Tsunami Potential in Central Maluku

TRIBUNBATAM.id, MALUKU - Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Department (BMKG), Dwikorita Karnawati, said that the Seram Island area, Central Maluku, has the potential for a non-tectonic tsunami or a tsunami that isn't caused by an earthquake.

The potential for a tsunami is considered quite large. 

The results of the BMKG's search and verification of the hazard zone on Seram Island show that along the coast of the island is a deep sea with steep cliffs that are very prone to landslides. 

"The earthquake triggers landslides which then cause waves.

In modeling, it can be concluded whether this has the potential to cause a tsunami or not.

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It might not, but it turns out that the earthquake actually created an underwater landslide which then triggered a tsunami," said Dwikorita in her written statement, Wednesday, (9/8/2021). 

During her visit to Seram Island, Dwikorita visited Negeri Samasuru, Negeri Amahai, Masohi City, and Negeri Tehoru. 

In the area, apart from verifying hazard maps and following evacuation routes, Dwikorita and the BMKG team also directly heard testimonies and stories from residents about the earthquake and tsunami.

"In Negeri Tehoru, I saw firsthand traces of landslides into the sea.

In Samsuru, local residents even calculated the depth of the sea from the shoreline boundary.

A distance of 3 meters from the beach, the sea depth has reached 23 meters," she explained. 

Dwikorita said that until now, no country has been able to detect non-tectonic tsunamis quickly, precisely and accurately.

The early warning system built by countries in the world is a tsunami early warning system due to earthquake shocks. 

So far, she said, what can be done is to monitor sea level with buoys and tide gauges.

However, this method is less effective because of the nature of the tool that informs after the tsunami.