Characteristics and Behavior of Tsunami 28 September 2018 along the Coast of Palu and Donggala Bay

Authors

  • Amiruddin Hatibe* , Danang Sri Hadmoko , Sulaiman Siddiq , Muhammad Ali

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of the Palu-Donggala Tsunami and
analyze tsunami behavior that occurred along Palu Bay triggered by the earthquake of 28 September 2018.
This research was carried out along the Palu Bay by using: the survey approach by collecting available data
and relevant information (tidal records, graphs, and maps); interviews with residents; take pictures of the
current conditions; recording location with portable GPS; measurement of height in plants and distance of the
tsunami range; measurement of the level and length of the wave front at the time of measurement. The results
showed that the most massive tsunami characteristics in Palu and Donggala were as high as 10.9 meters (in
the central) and 11.3 meters (in the east). Meanwhile, along the west and east coast of Palu Bay, the distribution
of tsunami height varies from 4 to 9.5 meters (in Loli Dondo, Donggala Regency, and in the western part of
Palu City). Tsunami wave behavior that occurred in Tanah Runtuh Hamlet, eyewitnesses from fishers on the
beach observing the waves were quite high, so they did not see the mainland from their position. Furthermore,
when approaching the hamlet, the stream broke into two masses of water, then turned towards the north and
south, so that the hamlet was safe and on Tanjung Pandang. On the west coast, a fisher on a boat saw two
waves coming from the south and north before colliding offshore fishing settlement. Most of the colliding
waves then separated to the south and north, and only the peripheral waves swept ashore and wiped out 50
fishing houses.

Published

2020-02-28

Issue

Section

Articles