Analysis of Greenbelt in Sibolga for Tsunami Mitigation

Abstract

West coast of Sumatra is one of the vulnerable areas to natural disaster, such as tsunami. The prevention of potential destruction has to be done in order to reduce victim and economical loss. Naturally, coastal vegetation can reduce the wave strength, hence reducing the destructive force. The aim of this research was to obtain the potential area for greenbelt to support rehabilitation and prevention of potential destruction. Most of coastal area of Sibolga has very low Normalize Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) value, indicating that area has less vegetation. Field checking showed that the coastal area has dense settlement with less vegetation. Land system found in the coastal area is Kahayan which is suitable for mangrove. The area is alluvium plain, behind the coastal is mountainous and hilly areas. In 100, 200. and 500 meters of greenbelt area width, highest vegetation density was very low, followed by low vegetation class. It means most of the area has no vegetation or less vegetation, therefore Greenbelt planning is needed to protect the beach from potential destruction of natural disaster, mainly tsunami.