Tsunami (Indonesia) #1

Overview

An earthquake generates a tsunami if it is of sufficient force and there is violent movement of the earth causing substantial and sudden displacement of a massive amount of water.

A tsunami is a series of waves, and the first wave may not be the most dangerous. A tsunami, also known as "wave train", may come as surges five minutes to an hour apart. The cycle may be marked by repeated retreat and advance of the ocean.



Tsunami waves can be very long (as much as 60 miles, or 100 kilometers) and be as far as one hour apart. They are able to cross entire oceans without great loss of energy.

Geological features such as reefs, bays, river entrances, and undersea formations may dissipate the energy of a tsunami. In some places a tsunami may cause the sea to rise vertically only a few inches or feet. In other places tsunamis have been known to surge vertically as high as 100 feet (30 meters). Most tsunamis cause the sea to rise no more than 10 feet (3 meters).

Tsunamis do not necessarily make their final approach to land as a series of giant breaking waves. They may be more like a very rapidly rising tide. This may be accompanied by much underwater turbulence, sucking people under and tossing heavy objects around. Entire beaches have been stripped away by tsunamis.

Warning Signs:
An earthquake is a natural tsunami warning. If you feel a strong quake do not stay in a place where you are exposed to a tsunami. If you hear of an earthquake be aware of the possibility of a tsunami and listen to the radio or television for additional information. Remember that an earthquake can trigger killer waves thousands of miles across the ocean many hours after the event generated a tsunami.

Witnesses have reported that an approaching tsunami is sometimes preceded by a noticeable fall or rise in the water level. If you see the ocean receding unusually rapidly or far it's a good sign that a big wave is on its way. Go to high ground immediately.

Because tsunamis can approach the shore as fast as 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour) it is often too late to get away if you see one. An approaching tsunami is not something to be admired unless you are safely on high ground.


Strategies applied (In General)

Many Insurance Companies are still reluctant or slow to promote earthquake insurance in Indonesia, no doubt mainly because Insurers recognize it as a risk.
A characteristic feature of natural catastrophes is their low occurrence frequency but high loss impact. In view of low probability, the general cultural attitude in many Asian Countries, particularly in Indonesia, is that most people tend to ignore the risk of natural perils. This attitude unfortunately remains unchanged even after the earthquake and tsunami in Aceh.


There are at least 3 (three) alternatives to promote catastrophe risk insurance:
1.As a standard peril included within a fire policy
2.As an additional cover in conjunction with a fire policy at additional premium or as a separate policy on its own
3.Under a Government supported insurance scheme, often in a compulsory manner, where Government intervene to increase penetration of Catastrophe insurance.

Programmes in plan:
1.Disaster Management Plan

Set up Disaster Preparedness Plan and Contingency Plan

2.Public Awareness

Information, Education, Training and Drilling

3.Risk Assessment

Hazard, Vulnerability and Risk mapping at local level

4.Early Warning Systems

Monitoring, Analysis, Warning and Dissemination

5.Operation Centers

Set up Operation Centers in National, Provincial and Local level

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