The tsunami that recently rocked the world occurred on March 10, 2023, when an 8.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia. This earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami wave, which had a severe impact on coastal areas in Aceh province and its surroundings. Many residents did not have time to save themselves due to the sudden speed of the wave. According to data from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the tsunami waves reached a height of up to 6 meters. In the first few hours after the incident, communication and electricity access was cut off in many areas, making it difficult to convey information about the emergency effectively. Rescue teams were immediately deployed, but logistical challenges and difficult terrain hampered their operations. Local sources reported that the worst affected area was Meulaboh City and its surroundings, with buildings destroyed, water mains damaged, and thousands of residents forced to flee. Preliminary data shows more than 2,000 homes were heavily damaged and the death toll reached more than 500, with hundreds more still missing. This tsunami is not the first to hit Indonesia, which is known as the “Pacific Ring of Fire”. This country is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis due to the movement of tectonic plates. Seismology experts from various universities and research institutions stated that it is necessary to improve the early warning system and educate the public about tsunamis so that similar events can be handled better in the future. Apart from that, this disaster also attracted world attention. Many countries and international organizations sent humanitarian aid, including rescue teams, medicine and food. The Indonesian government is trying to repair damaged infrastructure and provide support to affected families. Analysis of the social and economic impact of the tsunami shows that the economy of the affected areas is likely to experience a significant decline, especially in the fisheries and tourism sectors, which are the main sources of income for the community. Immediate training and recovery programs are needed to help people return to their activities. With this incident, world attention was focused on the importance of disaster preparedness. The development of technology and applications that can provide early warning to people in tsunami-prone areas is urgently needed, so that potential losses can be minimized in the future.
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