MITIGATION OF THE ADVERSE IMPACT OF TSUNAMI HAZARDS ASSISTED BY GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM: STUDY IN MUNJUNGAN COASTAL-TRENGGALEK - INDONESIA.

Coastal areas of Indonesia that are close to tectonic plates are vulnerable to earthquakes and generated tsunamis. The Munjungan Coast South of East Java-Indonesia is such a vulnerable tsunami area. This coastal area, besides being close to tectonic plate boundaries, has the shape of an open bay which makes it particularly vulnerable to tsunami impacts and, therefore, in need of strict disaster mitigation measures. Assisted Geographic Information System (GIS) applications with map overlay techniques and by the Arc View 3.3 software program can help in the taking of measures that can reduce the impact of tsunami hazards. The processed product of the GIS methodology in the form of a tsunami hazard zoning map, as well as designated evacuation route maps, can be helpful tools in tsunami impact mitigation, when a significant and potentially tsunamigenic earthquake occurs. The present study used a survey method and area sampling to obtain a better understanding of the public’s perceptions and attitudes in responding more effectively to the potential of tsunami disasters. Based on the interpretation of the zoning map for the classification of disasterprone areas and route maps for evacuation, four villages were identified as being more prone to tsunami disasters. The condition of the population in these four disaster-prone villages, despite their higher level of knowledge about tsunamis, was not followed by their perceptions and proper attitudes towards mitigating the potential danger. People on the coast of Munjungan did not appear to be particularly concerned about the tsunami hazard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]