A Shared Vision on the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in Malaysia: Hazard Assessments, Post-Disaster Measures and Research

Abstract

The tsunami is one of the deadliest natural disasters, responsible for more than 260,000 deaths and billions in economic losses over the last two decades. The footage of the devastating power of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami perhaps remains vivid in the memory of most survivors, and Malaysia was one of the countries affected by the unprecedented 2004 tsunami. It was the first time the Malaysian government had managed such a great disaster. This review, therefore, gathers the relevant literature pertaining to the efforts undertaken following the event of the 2004 tsunami from Malaysia’s perspective. A compilation of post-event observations regarding tsunami characteristics is first presented in the form of maps, followed by building damage, including damage modes of wall failure, total collapse, debris impact and tilting of structures. In addition, hazard assessments and projections regarding a hypothetical future tsunami towards vulnerable hazard zones in Malaysia are reviewed. It is observed that future tsunami risks may originate from the Indian/Burma Plate, Andaman Island, Sunda Trench, Manila Trench, Sulu Trench, Negro Trench, Sulawesi Trench, Cotabato Trench and Brunei slide. A rundown of post-2004 measures and tsunami research undertaken in the country is also included in this review, serving as a reference for disaster management globally. Overall, the outcomes of this review are important for understanding tsunami vulnerability and the resilience of coastal infrastructures, which will be crucial for continued progress in the future.

Insight into Kedah State’s Coastal Perils: Tsunamis, Floods, and Sea Level Increase

“…Another study on the impacts of the Indian Ocean 2004 tsunami was performed by Moon et al, (2022), focusing on its effects on Peninsular Malaysia, where post-event observations regarding tsunami characteristics were presented in the form of maps. Building damage, including damage modes of wall failure, total collapse, debris impact, and structure tilting, was also reported.…”

“…Building damage, including damage modes of wall failure, total collapse, debris impact, and structure tilting, was also reported. According to Moon et al, (2022), Kuala Muda in mainland Kedah, Langkawi Island, and Penang Islands were the most affected places along the entire northern coastal areas of the peninsular. Firstly, the tsunami waves reached Langkawi Island slightly more than three hours after the earthquake, with an average speed of 240 km/h and nearshore positive amplitudes ranging from 2.5 m to 3.0 m (Bird et al, 2007).…”

“…Firstly, the tsunami waves reached Langkawi Island slightly more than three hours after the earthquake, with an average speed of 240 km/h and nearshore positive amplitudes ranging from 2.5 m to 3.0 m (Bird et al, 2007). In terms of damaged buildings, Kedah state, particularly the Kuala Muda region, was deemed one of the most severely affected areas among the affected states of Malaysia, where 900 houses were damaged compared with 615 buildings in Penang Island and 20 buildings in Perak (Moon et al, 2022).…”

The Position and Importance of Earthquake Education in the World

“…For example, when Sumatra, an island in Indonesia, experiences huge earthquakes, this also results in affecting Malaysia (Moon et al, 2022;Noh et al, 2021). Although earthquake education in Malaysia is still in its exploratory stage, some districts of Malaysia, which is prone to earthquake, embarked on earthquake-related programs in the schools.…”