Assessing coastal population capacity in Tsunami-prone areas: A grid-based approach

Tambakrejo Beach in Blitar Regency is classified as an area that is very vulnerable to tsunami catastrophes. Many researchers have conducted studies on regions impacted by the tsunami. However, more studies into the link between the outcomes of social and spatial studies still need to be carried out because these are two different perspectives with different parameters and variables. The novel approach in this research involves delineating tsunami-affected areas and assessing population capacity in coastal regions. The hazard maps and livelihood asset variables using grid cells of a specific size have been used to identify risk levels. The grid cells used are 50 m² × 50 m² so that they are expected to represent the minor units on the face of the earth, such as buildings, assets, property or land parcels, for capacity assessments or measuring the level of threat to disasters and are no longer based on regional administrative boundaries.

The research results show that using grid cells to analyse areas affected by the tsunami can provide excellent and informative results. Research findings at the research location regarding community preparedness in facing tsunamis show that communities at risk of being affected by the tsunami need to increase their capacity because the majority of communities in coastal areas, especially in the Sidorejo sub-village, have been identified as having low capacity according to several livelihood asset parameters such as financial capital in income. By increasing individual capacity, it is hoped that society will be able to avoid the threat of tsunami waves better.