Tsunami Of December Research Articles

Preliminary Evaluation of Traffic Resilience against Potential Earthquake in Penang Island

When an earthquake occurs in a neighboring country close to Malaysia, such as Indonesia, the tremor can be felt by Malaysians, especially states located along the Straits of Malacca. The epicenter of an active earthquake in the Indian Ocean near northwestern Sumatra, Indonesia triggered a tsunami in December 2004 that hit Penang Island and killed dozens of people and caused minor property damage especially the transportation system. A Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), Open Street Maps (OSM), Online Questionnaire Survey, and Literature Review were used to evaluate the preliminary traffic resilience in Penang Island. The presence of fault lines and traffic networks from the secondary data were identified and integrated using GGIS and OSM. The contour results showed that the red zone (most affected) and yellow zone (less affected) were mostly located in the northeast district and the upper half in the southwest district while only a small part was covered with the green zone (not affected) in the southwest district of Penang Island. The factors influencing humans in responding during an earthquake were panic and fear from the point of view of history and general knowledge, as well as announcements and evacuations by the government as the highest votes by online questionnaire survey. Preliminary, the traffic networks with higher probability being affected in the events of earthquake are identified so that further study for the traffic resilience can be carried out.

Trophic levels of reef fish community in Badul Island waters after Sunda Strait tsunami

The Sunda Strait tsunami in December 2018 damaged coral reef ecosystems in the Banten coastal area, including Badul Island waters. This condition potentially affects directly to the trophic level of the reef fish community. The purpose of this study was to determine the trophic level of the reef fish community in the waters of Badul Island after a tsunami. The research was conducted in April 2022 at four sampling stations (North, West, South and East) in the Badul Island waters. Reef fish survey using Underwater Visual Census with a 50 m line transect at a depth of 3 – 5 m. Reef fish identified during the study were grouped based on trophic level (carnivore, planktivore, omnivore, herbivore and corallivore). From this research identify 264 individu with 30 species from 17 Family of reef fish. Small waters area around Badul Island made possible reef fish from 4 sampling stations still in same population. The highest abundance of reef fish was found on the west side of Badul Island (128 ind/250 m2). Number species of reef fish founded the highest in East side with 14 species. The highest abundance of reef fish, based on trophic level, was approximately 74 ind/250 m2 of carnivore fish on the western side of the island.

Analysing the Shoreline Dynamics Along the Southern Coastal Region of Kerala: A Case Study of Kollam District in Kerala

Shoreline change is considered to be a serious issue because of the changing nature of oceans and its influence on people and land. The vital term shoreline can be defined as the rate at which shore gets worn or accreted due to wave action, sea level-rise or any supplementary hazards and processes that affect the land. All the natural processes are conserved to attain their equilibrium, coast as a physical feature is always in a dynamic state trying to change, and nature continually works for preserving its balance. The coastal regions of India are specified with varied ecosystem, high productivity and thickly populated, has increased its very own importance. The coastal areas are subjected to vulnerable hazards, and it affects the coastal community and its geomorphic features. The present study has been conducted along the coastal areas of southern Kerala, especially Kollam district with the help of multi- temporal satellite images of the years 1973, 1988, 2002, 2018 and 2022. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) technique is used for calculating the coastal erosion and accretion rates. The present study focuses on the pre and post tsunami effects and major and minor erosion and accretion occurred in Kollam. Tsunami is a series of waves caused by an earthquake, underwater volcanic eruption, landslide or other abrupt disturbances. The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, not only affected the Bay of Bengal coast of India, but also hit into the Arabian Sea coast with major damages in Kerala. Destructive waves were occurred through tsunami, and it has made changes in the coastal geomorphology. The study could be analyzed micro level shoreline change rate due to tsunami effects in association with anthropogenic activities occurred in the coastal areas of Kollam district. Keywords Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), Coastal Erosion, Accretion, Tsunami

Memory, Meaning, and Monuments: An Ethnographic Study of Tsunami Memorialization in Aceh

The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, left an impact on Aceh, Indonesia, prompting the establishment of tsunami memorials to preserve collective memories. This study examines how individuals and communities interact with tsunami memorials in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar. It seeks to understand the dynamic intersection between individual, community, and tsunami memorials using collective memory theory. Findings reveal that memorials serve as spaces of recollection, fostering connections with lost loved ones and reinforcing disaster resilience. However, memory erosion occurs over time due to generational shifts and social dynamic changes. Collective memory theory elucidates memorials' broader societal roles, promoting disaster education and empathy. Beyond commemorations, memorials become cultural symbols shaping memories, meanings, identities, and narratives. This research highlights the importance of nuanced memorialization strategies to sustain engagement, foster disaster risk reduction strategies, and honor collective memory.

Numerical simulations of water waves generated by subaerial granular and solid-block landslides: Validation, comparison, and predictive equations

We compare waves generated by subaerial solid-block and granular landslides and propose equations for predicting their maximum initial wave amplitudes. The recent Anak Krakatau subaerial landslide tsunami in December 2018, which resulted in more than 450 deaths, demonstrated the knowledge gap on this subject and motivated this study. Here, we make numerical models using the numerical package FLOW3D-Hydro for solid-block and granular landslides and validate them using physical experiments. Results indicate that the maximum initial wave amplitudes generated by solid-block landslides are 107% larger than those generated by granular landslides in our experiments. The relationship between maximum initial wave amplitude and slope angle is inverse for solid-block slides whereas, it is direct for granular slides. However, a critical angle of 60° is achieved for granular slides, and for slope angles more than this critical value, the maximum wave amplitudes start to decrease. Regarding wave period, our results show that it remains nearly unchanged for both types of landslides as water depth and slide volume vary. The period generated by solid-block slides increases as the slope angle decreases; however, it remains unchanged for granular slides. The predictive equations are applied to real landslide tsunamis and resulted in satisfactory performances.

Effects of Tsunami Shelters in Pandeglang, Banten, Indonesia, Based on Agent-Based Modelling: A Case Study of the 2018 Anak Krakatoa Volcanic Tsunami

On 22 December 2018, the volcanic eruption of Anak Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia, triggered a tsunami causing 437 deaths. The highest death toll and the second highest number of damaged houses were recorded in Panimbang. This study proposes optimum evacuation shelters to reduce the mortality rate. A digital elevation model (DEM) and information dataset are used. The suggested horizontal evacuation shelters (HESs) are places of worship, schools, and government offices. Multimodal agent-based modelling (ABM), to analyse the sensitivity of parameters and the effect of vertical evacuation shelters (VESs) under multiple scenarios, is presented for the volcanic tsunami in December 2018. A tsunami hazard map is created by combining relative weights and parameter scores for topography, slope, and the distance from the shoreline and rivers. In the ABM results, the transportation mode choice depicts a significant decrease in the number of casualties. The mortality rate is sensitive to the milling time caused by delay time τ and agent decision-making time σ. VESs are proposed at the hot spots based on the location of deaths in the sensitivity tests and the high and very-high risk zones in the hazard map. As a result, combinations of VESs and HESs show a decrement in the number of deaths by 1.2–2 times compared to those with HESs only. The proposed VESs in the study area have a significant positive impact on decreasing the mortality rate.

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment: A case study of the Ratnagiri coast, Maharashtra, India

The coastal zone is a vulnerable habitat that needs extra caution to protect ecosystems. Coastal systems are increasingly threatened by possible climate change consequences, as evidenced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s consecutive assessments. Increased tropical storm occurrences in recent years, in addition to the devastation caused by the tsunami in December 2004, have highlighted the necessity of analyzing the coast’s susceptibility to flooding-induced hazards to get a better knowledge of the factors that generate various hazards and, as a result, reduce the after-effects of future occurrences. The Ratnagiri coast in Maharashtra is prone to erosional hazards, periodic land rehabilitation, and sudden rises in sea level. The main objective is to calculate the CVI (Coastal Vulnerability Index) for the Ratnagiri coast. To analyze the vulnerability of the coastal region, eight risk parameters were used, viz. shoreline change rate, coastal elevation, sea level change rate, coastal slope, tide range, significant wave height, coastal geomorphology, and tsunami arrival height. The coastal vulnerability map was created by categorizing the numerous coastal portions into three vulnerability groups: high, medium, and low, which will aid coastal residents in risk mitigation in the future.

Factors Determining the Welfare of the Sunda Strait Tsunami Victim’s Family. A Mechanism Disaster Impact on SDGs in Family Level

The Sunda Strait Tsunami in December 2018 has prolonged impact on the welfare of victim’s families. This research aims to analyze factors determining family welfare after 27 month of Sunda Strait tsunami. Research involved 123 families consisted of two groups: refugees who living in shelter F(LS) and non-refugees who living in non shelter (FLNS). Almost two-thirds of the families stated that the impact of the tsunami is still disrupting their work, livelihood, and daily lives. Acceptance and gratitude lead to higher subjective well-being, although objectively, family welfare has not returned to how it was before the tsunami. The results of different tests showed that FLS families (compared to FLNS) had better conditions and the health of their homes as well as their livelihood strategies. The objective welfare of the family is negatively affected by economic pressures, while the subjective welfare of the family is negatively affected by both subjective and objective economic pressures. This research shows the importance of external parties helping the victim’s family to reduce their economic pressure, by providing access and opportunities for family income patterns. Subjective economic pressure is a direct mechanism of disaster disruption to welfare as one of the goals of sustainable development.

TOURISM BASED ON DISASTER MITIGATION IN ANYER, SERANG REGENCY

The beach in Anyer Serang is an area with a very famous marine and coastal natural tourism destination and is visited by many tourists. However, after the tsunami in December 2018, the number of tourists coming to Anyer decreased. This is because there is no guarantee of safety if tourists visit this area, lack of information about the disaster mitigation system, and the unavailability of signs/signs where and how to go when a disaster occurs, such as: evacuation routes, evacuation sites and so on. The objectives and targets of this Community Service activity are: (1) to find out whether visitors, traders, fishermen and local communities are given knowledge about disaster mitigation; (2) provide knowledge about disaster and disaster mitigation to visitors, traders, fishermen and local communities; (3) evaluation of knowledge about disaster and disaster mitigation in the tourism area of ​​Anyer, Serang Regency. This activity uses a tourism method based on individual disaster mitigation which is carried out directly at tourist attractions. In its implementation this method begins with interviews with visitors, traders, fishermen and local communities about tourist sites and disaster mitigation from entrances to exits, and several alternative evacuation routes, and several events that have occurred and may occur, then lectures - discussions (ask responsibility) related to disaster and disaster mitigation, then evaluate the knowledge of visitors, traders, fishermen and local communities about disasters and disaster mitigation. The location of this community service implementation is the Green Garden Resort Anyer tourist area, Serang Regency. This Community Service activity was carried out for visitors, traders, fishermen and local communities in April 2020. From the activities carried out, it can be concluded that the knowledge of tourists, traders, fishermen and local communities about disasters and disaster mitigation is still lacking, especially supported by the absence of guidelines. /sign disaster mitigation.

Nandong smong and tsunami lullabies: Song and music as an effective communication tool in disaster risk reduction

Growing international appreciation of the increasing risk posed by natural hazard events acknowledges the effects that climate change and increasingly vulnerable populations will have on future costs and casualties of disasters. As concerns about the impacts of natural hazard events increase, researchers and practitioners are interested in identifying effective processes to build individual and community resilience. To date, despite resources, time and effort being made by governments and NGOs to encourage disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs at national, regional and local levels, most communities remain poorly prepared, and improvements have only been incremental.One way to gain insight into systems that may improve local community resilience is to examine (rare) examples where communities have avoided the worst impacts of a natural disaster through implementation of recognizable DRR strategies. One example is Simeulue Island in Indonesia. Simeulue was only 43 km from the epicenter of the earthquake that initiated the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004. The 15 m tsunami waves destroyed all but two of the islands 171 schools, 60 bridges, 41 medical centers and left 85% of the population homeless; but only 7 out of the 80,000 inhabitants died [1]. Music and song have been identified as an important part of Simeulue's DRR success [2-4]. This paper discusses the nature of the songs of Simeulue and considers the socio-cognitive processes whereby music was co-opted to entrain risk information about tsunami and their avoidance into the Simeulue community's Sense of Coherence (‘SOC’). The findings indicate that the people of Simeulue applied techniques now understood to optimize learning. While highly effective, they rely on rudimentary human skills and have consequently been overlooked or ignored in most formal DRR contexts.

Coral reef ecosystems condition prediction after tsunami based on previous reef fish community structure and benthic coverage surveillance on Sumur, Banten

Patterns of community structure within coral reefs ecosystems are strongly influenced by a catastrophe such as a tsunami. Sumur is one of the coastal regions affected the most by the Banten Tsunami in December 2018. This research aims to predict coral reef ecosystem conditions after a tsunami based on the reef fish community structure and benthic coverage in the previous month. The research was conducted on every island around Sumur coastal region. Reef fish specimens were sampled using underwater visual census, and benthic coverage was taken with quadrats for Coral Point Count Estimation (CPCe). Overall coral condition assessed by conservation value determined through coral morphology. The highest coral coverage was found in Sumur, Southwest Oar, and North Badul. Nearly all sites have a high diversity reef fish community, with the highest abundance and species richness found in West Umang and North Badul. Badul island, Mangir island, and Cigorondong were categorized as the locations with coral reef ecosystems with the highest stress-tolerators. Most areas with this high stress-tolerator are predominated by coral massive and sub-massive and have higher endurance than other sites. Post-catastrophe, reef fishes will shift to the sites where most coral reef-building has survived, especially reef fishes with territorial behaviour.

Well-being of Students Affected by Disaster: A Case Study of 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka

The main objective of the study was to identify the long-term well-being of students affected by the tsunami of December 2004. The specific aims of the study were to evaluate the psychological, social and educational well-being of students affected by the tsunami, 13 years after the tsunami; and to examine the nature of psycho-social counselling and material support and how these services contributed to their well-being. The methods used to gather data were both quantitative and qualitative with purposive sampling, using the class teachers’ nominations. Six school teachers and five counsellors and 43 girls and 42 boys from the Southern Province were enrolled in the study. The results of the study showed how students affected by the tsunami had to face different trauma related experiences such as their family members remaining missing and their family members’ death or injury, although the students themselves had escaped the tidal waves. Thus, the trauma related to experiences of the tsunami caused the students to have many psychological and emotional difficulties. The qualitative results showed that the students had reached a quite satisfactory level of well-being, 13 years after the tsunami. The children had attended psycho-social education awareness programs and received psycho-social “training” and counselling interventions. These were implemented in order to successfully develop the students’ well-being. The findings suggested that the students required further professional counselling services and welfare facilities within the school system and also a drug prevention program in order to further their well-being, based on a long-term plan.

Numerical Simulation Studies about the Resonance of Tsunami Waves in Selected Gulfs and Ports along the South West Coast of India (SWCI)

The tsunami of December 26, 2004 was an eye-opener which exposed the need for establishing a tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean. Immediately after the tsunami of 2004, Government of India subsequently established a Tsunami Warning Centre in Hyderabad. The numerical modelling of tsunami inundation and run-up also gained momentum in India. Besides inundation and run-up there are several other physical oceanographic processes which contributes in shaping tsunami characteristics along the coast. The source of tsunami generation is prominent in determining run-up values. Historical records show the generation of tsunamigenic earthquakes from Sumatra, North Andaman and Car Nicobar in the Bay of Bengal and Makran in the Arabian Sea. Though the numerical modelling studies has been reasonably carried out for the main land coast, no study has been exclusively carried out for understanding the amplification pattern occurring in gulfs and ports in the Arabian sea. Tsunami waves entering the ports and gulfs can lead to different amplification patterns. At this juncture, this paper investigates the pattern of amplification occurring along four representative sectors along the west coast namely Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Khambhat, Mangalore port and Cochin inlet. The simulation results show trivial amplification in Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat. The studies of numerical simulation suggest that the amplification factor depends on several other factors like orientation of the coast, coastal geometry of bays and gulfs, near shore bathymetry and depth inside gulfs and ports. How to cite this article: Praveen SS. Numerical Simulation Studies about the Resonance of Tsunami Waves in Selected Gulfs and Ports along the South West Coast of India (SWCI). J Adv Res Appl Mech Compu Fluid Dyna 2020; 4(1): 1-5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.7661.202001

Numerical Modelling of Flood Inundation and Run-Up along the Banks of Pamba River, South West Coast of India

The state of Kerala was in the shadow zone of several natural disasters. But the disasters which happened during the last two decades changed our perceptions and preconceived notions. Before two decades, for Keralites the term disaster was a matter of strange science fiction books, Hollywood cinemas or the things which were happening on the other side of the globe or planet. The tsunami of December 26, 2004, Ockhi of 2017, Kerala Floods of 2018 and its replicated version in 2019 exposed our vulnerabilities. During the event of 2018 Kerala Floods, the need for a Flood Warning System (FWS) in Kerala was badly felt. Though there are many components for a FWS, the main component of a FWS is the prediction of inundation and run-up along the banks of rivers/ water bodies. This component can only be accomplished through the process of numerical modelling. Numerical modelling is an efficient tool for estimating the past events and predicting the future ones. Through numerical modelling different scenarios of possible flood generating permutations and combinations will be carried out and hence in the event of a real time flood warning a closest matching will be picked from these, which will be subsequently used for mitigation. The results of numerical modelling will be the base for creating vulnerability maps which will be used for mitigation and rehabilitation. This investigation numerically simulates the possible flood rising inundation and run-up along the banks of Pamba River situated on the south west coast of India. The model results suggest that extreme rain fall events alone cannot inundate the banks of Pamba River, whereas external discharges emanating from dams, tidal reflections from the oceans etc. could inundate the terrain. The investigation also recommends several components for successfully establishing a flood warning system in Kerala with specific reference to Kerala floods 2018. How to cite this article: Praveen SS, Babu VS, Vijayan A, Babu SS. Numerical Modelling of Flood Inundation and Run-Up along the Banks of Pamba River, South West Coast of India. J Adv Res Alt Energ Env Eco 2020; 7(1): 8-14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.3093.202002

EFEK GELOMBANG TSUNAMI ACEH 2004 PADA GANGGUAN IONOSFER BERGERAK SKALA MENENGAH DARI PENGAMATAN JARINGAN GPS SUMATRA

Medium Scale Travelling Ionospheric Disturbance (MSTID), thought to be manifestation of atmospheric gravity wave (AGW) in the ionospheric altitude that propagates horizontally and effects on in the electron density structure of ionosphere. These atmospheric gravity waves sourced from lower atmospheric activities such as typhoons, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Wave energy by its coupling induction process can travel to the ionosphere region. It has been understood that the TID's wave structure have an impact on the propagation of radio waves in the ionosphere so that it will affect the performance of navigation satellite-based positioning measurements. Based on Aceh tsunami in December 2004, this study aimed to investigation of the induction of atmospheric gravity waves in the ionosphere using total electron content (TEC) data from the Sumatra GPS network (Sumatra GPS Array, SUGAR). The detection technique of TEC changes due to AGW induction with a filter to separate medium scale disturbance at the ionospheric pierce point at an altitude of 350 km (IPP, Ionospheric Pierce Point). The results show the horizontal wavelength of a medium-scale TID around 180 ± 12 Km with a velocities of around 376 ± 9 ms-1. Based on two-dimensional map, the TID moves to the southeast.

Level of Coastal Protection Damage and Priority of Handling (Case Study of Alue Naga – Neuheun, Aceh Besar, Indonesia)

The massive tsunami of December 26, 2004 has had a huge impact on the life of the coastal region. The effects of the tsunami caused damage to occupation settlements, loss of waterside land and destruction of marine biota ecosystems. The coastal region of Aceh Province in Indonesia is the area that has the worst impact followed by the State of Malaysia, Thailand and as a coastal area of India. As a result of a large amount of coastal land experiencing a loss of land mass, erosion is very significant. As a step towards handling coastal areas from greater erosion prevention, the Government of Indonesia in 2005 adopted a policy of handling rehabilitation and reconstruction through the ANTERP (Aceh Nias Tsunami and Earthquake Response Program) program under the BRR (Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency) in collaboration with Ministry of Public Work. One of the steps to handling erosion is to protect the coast using the hard structure method such as the construction of a revetment and jetty made from rock armor. This study aims to assess the level of damage and priority of handling of coastal protective structures that have been built in 2009, 2016 and how changes in shoreline occur on the beach location of Alue Naga - Neuheun, which is a coastal area that was greatly affected by the tsunami. Assessments were carried out in three different coastal structures, namely CS-1 locations in the Alue Naga area, CS-2, Lambada Lhok coastal area and CS-3 Neuheun beach area. Guidelines for assessing structure damage and changes in shoreline in the study using the Ministry of Public Work Regulation No. 08/SE/M/2010. The rate of change in shoreline is obtained through computational calculations of the DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System) program using the EPR (End Point Rate) method and NSM for change distance (Net Shoreline Movement).

An Investigation on the Post Disaster Humanitarian Logistics Response for Relief Aid Provision by World Food Programme in Zimbabwe

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu (1772) observes that “the line between order and disorder lies in logistics”. The logistics response to the Asian tsunami in December 2004 reveals the fragility and inadequacy of the logistics processes. High volatility is part of complex situation, but other factors from external actor can increase this complexity; poor mandates in agencies, inadequate capacity in aid provision, or even weak diplomacy may lead to failure. From this point, specialists have highlighted the little extent given to logistics activities within the relief response. The tsunami failures imposed the international community to review its priorities such as strengthening professional staffing and supporting strategic partnerships and local available expertise. Agencies need to clarify who is to coordinate disaster response and recovery. Eventually, logistics is a bridge that allows the transition between emergency and development programs, and links the entire supply chain. This link cannot be ignored by the actors of this particular supply chain because by establishing a long-term process logistics will ensure local development and sustainability. This dissertation is on an investigation on the post disaster humanitarian logistics response for relief aid provision by World Food Programme in Zimbabwe. This research seeks to establish major logistical activities that affect post humanitarian logistics response at World Food Programme in Zimbabwe, to establish the supply chain practices used in disaster management by World Food Programme in Zimbabwe, to determine the relationship between supply chain practices and disaster response among humanitarian organizations in Zimbabwe, to identify factors that influences the post disaster humanitarian logistics response at World Food Programme in Zimbabwe and to suggest strategies that can improve post disaster humanitarian logistics response by World Food Programme in Zimbabwe.

The composition of reef-associated fishes in Ulee Lheue breakwater Banda Aceh, Aceh, Indonesia

The tsunami of December 26, 2004, damaged Ulee Lheue Port that located in Meuraxa sub-district of Banda Aceh. In the rebuilding of Ulee Lheue Port, the breakwater with a length of approximately 2 km along the coastline of Ulee Lheue, also constructed. Artificial structure in coastal areas such as the breakwater not only crucial for engineering science but also essential for the biological and ecological study. However, the study of marine biodiversity especially reef fishes in Ulee Lheue breakwater is not available until this study. Hence, the present study was aimed to catalog the reef-associated fishes species in Ulee Lheue breakwater. The research was conducted from February to October 2015. The sampling sites were designed by systematic sampling. Sampling sites were located on the outer side and inner side the breakwater with each station spacing of 250 m. The reef fish data were collected using the Underwater Visual Census in 3 meters depth on each station. There were 87 species of reef fishes found in the Ulee Lheue water. This result showed that the construction of artificial structures on the coast is not only crucial in the development of a city but also significant for marine biology and ecology study.

Dental Evidence as a Sole Human Identifier in World Disasters: A Literature Review with Emphasis on the 2004 Tsunami Disaster

Comparative dental analysis is a quick and relatively simple human identification method. In many disaster incidents, dental characteristics have played an important role in establishing the identity of victims when they were visually unidentifiable. A PubMed search was conducted for publications that specifically discussed the role of dental characteristics in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI). Between 1974 and 2012, 14 papers described 17 disasters in which dental characteristics were used to identify the victims. The percentage of victims identified using only dental characteristics ranged from 0% to 89%. This wide range largely depends on the availability and quality of ante mortem dental records provided by dentists. The DVI in Thailand following the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 was unique in involving deceased tourists from more than 30 countries, mostly from Europe. The dental method of identification showed superiority over other identification methods in terms of speed and accuracy of establishing the victims’ identity. This paper discusses the role of forensic odontology in establishing the identity of disaster victims, with specific emphasis on the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as an example of good practice, during which the author had first-hand experience.

THE IMPACT OF HOSPITAL BASED INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD ILLNESS TRAINING ON PEDIATRIC NURSE COMPETENCY

Background: Although the WHO strategy integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) for primary care has been implemented in over 100 countries, there is less global experience with hospital-based IMCI training. Until recently, no training had been done in Indonesia, and globally there has been limited experience of the role of IMCI in rebuilding health systems after complex emergencies.
 Objective: We aimed to examine the effect of hospital-based IMCI training on pediatric nurse competency and explore the perception of Indonesian doctors, nurse managers and pediatricians about IMCI training and its development in West Aceh, a region that was severely affected by the South-Asian tsunami in December 2004.
 Methods: This study used stepped wedge design. Training was conducted for 39 nurses’ staff, 13 midwives, 6 head nurses, 5 nurse managers, 5 doctors, 1 pediatrician, and 3 support facilities (nutritionist, pharmacist, laboratory) in Cut Nyak Dien (CND) Hospital in Meulaboh, West Aceh, Indonesia. The IMCI training was developed based on the WHO Pocketbook of Hospital Care for Children. A nurse’s competency questionnaire was used based on the guideline of assessment of the quality of child health services at the first level reference hospitals in districts / municipalities issued by the Ministry of Health in 2007. A linear mixed model was used for data analysis.
 Results: The hospital based IMCI training improved the competences of nurses pediatric in assessing emergency signs of the sick children, management of cough and difficulty breathing, diarrhea, fever, nutritional problems, supportive care, monitoring, discharge planning and follow-up. The assessment highlighted several problems in adaptation process of material training, training process and implementation in an environment soon after a major disaster.
 Conclusion: Hospital based IMCI training can be implemented in a setting after major disasters or internal conflict as part of a rebuilding process. The program requires strong management support and the emergency phase to be subsided. Other pre-requisites include the existence of standard operating procedures, adequate physical facilities and support for staff morale and well-being. Improving the quality of pediatric care requires more than just training and clinical guidelines; internal motivation and health worker support are essential.