Tsunamis are nature’s deadliest phenomena, often caused by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides. In recent years, many countries have experienced devastating tsunamis, and observations and research continue to be carried out by scientists to understand this phenomenon better. Based on the latest data, on March 5 2023, a small tsunami occurred on Timika Beach, Indonesia, which was caused by an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale. The recorded waves were only one meter high, but they left a significant psychological impact on local residents. The public is advised to always be prepared, especially in tsunami-prone areas. In Japan, apart from the impact of the tsunami from the Tōhoku earthquake in 2011, recent research shows that coastal areas such as Sendai are still vulnerable to the threat of tsunamis in the future. Japan is now focusing heavily on technological innovation to strengthen its tsunami warning system, leveraging AI to predict wave patterns and spread. In the Indian Ocean, researchers report increased seismic activity, which could increase the risk of tsunamis for nearby countries, including Sri Lanka and India. Research continues to be carried out using seismographs to detect small earthquakes which may be precursors to tsunamis. The tsunami early warning system in the Pacific region was also updated, with the addition of monitoring buoys that can provide real-time information regarding changes in water levels. This is an important step following the tsunami in Samoa in 2022 which caused significant losses. Environmental factors also contribute to tsunami risk. Climate change causes sea levels to rise, thereby exacerbating the impact of tsunamis in coastal areas. Research published by the World Meteorological Organization shows that countries that are less prepared in terms of infrastructure and mitigation are at higher risk of tsunami damage. Social media also plays an important role in disseminating information during a tsunami. Applications such as Twitter and WhatsApp are used to alert the public quickly and efficiently. However, the problem of inaccurate information often occurs, triggering panic among the public. With better monitoring and increasingly sophisticated technology, the hope is that the number of deaths from tsunamis can be minimized. Collaboration between countries in tsunami-prone areas is essential to share information and improve responses. Continued research is needed to understand tsunami patterns and reduce future risks, especially in the face of increasingly complex global climate challenges.
