PVMBG Closely Watches Underwater Volcanoes Triggering Tsunami

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) Andiani in a press conference on Wednesday said one of the agency’s focuses in 2022 is to monitor the country’s underwater volcanoes. Indonesia is no stranger to natural disasters related to volcanic eruptions. 

“We have done this since 2021 which is related to the tsunami caused by the eruption of Anak Krakatoa in 2018,” said Andiani on January 26. “There are a number of volcanoes we are monitoring which have a history of past tsunamis.”

Volcanoes that have erupted in the past and triggered tsunamis are Anak Krakatoa (1883 and 2018), Hobal-Ile Werung, (1973, 1979, 1983), Tambora (1815), Rokatenda (1928), Ruang (1873), and Gamkonora (1673).

There are currently six underwater volcanoes in Indonesia, namely Hobal (Ile Werung), Yersey, Emperor of China, Nieuwerkerk, Banua Wuhu, and Sangir. All of the aforementioned underwater volcanoes, except Hobal and Banua Wuhu, have a small chance of sparking a tsunami as they are situated at more than 500 meters below the ocean surface. 

However, both Hobal and Banua Wuhu are closely monitored as the PVMBG deems the two can potentially create tsunamis when they erupt. Seismic detection equipment has been installed in most of these underwater volcanoes, except for Banua, which is scheduled to be installed this year. 

Read: Tonga Volcano Eruption Triggers Evacuation Advisories, Metre-high Waves in Japan

AHMAD FIKRI (CONTRIBUTOR)