Mengenang Gempa & Tsunami Pangandaran 17 Juli 2006, Catatan Duka Indonesia, Hampir 700 Jiwa Tewas

Summary

On July 17, 2006, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck off the coast of West Java, Indonesia, triggering a devastating tsunami that hit the southern coastline. The tsunami waves, reaching up to 5 meters, destroyed homes and killed at least 668 people, with many more injured or missing. The earthquake and tsunami severely affected towns in West Java, Central Java, and Yogyakarta. The disaster prompted mass evacuations as people fled to higher ground. The aftermath revealed widespread destruction, especially in tourist areas like Pangandaran, requiring urgent medical and humanitarian aid.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Pangandaran earthquake and tsunami occurred on July 17, 2006, with a magnitude of 6.8 and subsequent aftershocks measuring 5.5 and 6.1 on the Richter scale.
• 😀 The earthquake's epicenter was located in the Indian Ocean, 225 km off the coast of West Java, Indonesia.
• 😀 The tsunami generated by the earthquake reached waves as high as 5 meters, devastating coastal towns along the southern coast of Java.
• 😀 At least 668 people were killed, with 65 others missing and presumed dead, while 999 more were injured in the disaster.
• 😀 The earthquake's tremors were felt across a wide area, including in places like Pangandaran, Tasikmalaya, Cianjur, Cilacap, and even as far as Jakarta and Yogyakarta.
• 😀 The tsunami struck approximately 15-20 minutes after the earthquake, with local residents observing the unusual phenomenon of the sea pulling back before the waves hit.
• 😀 The tsunami reached as far as 100 meters inland, significantly damaging homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods along the coastline.
• 😀 Thousands of residents, including those living more than 25 km from the coast, fled to higher ground, seeking safety from the tsunami.
• 😀 The Pangandaran area was severely affected, with the tsunami destroying thousands of homes and fishing boats, particularly in popular tourist areas.
• 😀 Emergency medical aid was critically needed, but local resources were overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, leading to a dire need for support from outside relief teams.

Q & A

What natural disaster occurred in Indonesia on July 17, 2006?

On July 17, 2006, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the southern coast of Java, triggering a devastating tsunami.

What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit the southern coast of Java in 2006?

The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale.

How many aftershocks were recorded after the main earthquake?

Two aftershocks were recorded, with magnitudes of 5.5 and 6.1 on the Richter scale.

Where was the epicenter of the earthquake located?

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of West Java, 225 kilometers from the Pangandaran area.

How did the earthquake impact the local population?

The earthquake caused panic and fear among the residents, leading to widespread damage, including the loss of 668 lives due to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

What was the height of the tsunami waves that hit the coastal areas?

The tsunami waves reached a height of up to 5 meters, sweeping away homes along the southern coast of Java.

What other regions experienced strong tremors from the earthquake?

Regions like Pangandaran, Tasikmalaya, Cianjur, Cilacap, and parts of Central Java and Yogyakarta experienced significant tremors, ranging from 4 to 5 on the MMI scale.

How long did the earthquake tremors last in Jakarta?

In Jakarta, the tremors lasted for over a minute and caused skyscrapers to sway.

How did people in the coastal areas react to the tsunami warning?

People in the affected areas noticed the water receding, which is a common precursor to a tsunami. This caused confusion and panic, with many residents fleeing to higher ground.

What was the estimated impact of the tsunami on Pangandaran?

The tsunami in Pangandaran resulted in 668 fatalities, 65 missing persons assumed to be dead, and nearly 9,200 others injured. The damage included destroyed houses and fishing boats, and the local beach resort was severely affected.