Tidal Floods Threaten Coastal Areas, The Chairman of PKSPL IPB University Explains Impacts and Solutions
The phenomenon of tidal flooding or inundation of sea water in coastal areas is increasingly occurring due to high sea tides, climate change, and land subsidence. This disaster not only disrupts community activities, but also damages infrastructure, threatens health, and impacts the local economy.
Professor of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science of IPB University, Prof Dr Yonvitner, explained in depth about the causes, impacts, and mitigation and adaptation strategies to face tidal floods in one of the IPB Podcast contents on the IPB TV YouTube channel.
He explained that tidal floods occur when high tides inundate land in coastal areas. Unlike floods caused by heavy rain or river overflow, tidal floods are triggered by the moon’s gravity, climate change, or human activities such as excessive groundwater extraction that causes land subsidence.
“Tidal floods are like tsunamis that come slowly. Although not as big as a tsunami, the impact can be more widespread if it occurs repeatedly for a long time,” said Prof Yonvitner who is also the Chairman of the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL) IPB University.
In addition to natural factors, human activities such as coastal reclamation and groundwater exploitation exacerbate tidal floods. Reclamation that does not take into account sea level rise risks creating new puddles around it.
“Reclamation without careful study can lower the land surface. If this is not accompanied by adaptive planning, it can cause disasters,” he said.
Significant Social and Economic Impacts
Tidal floods cause damage to coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests, and harm the agriculture, fisheries and tourism sectors. Road infrastructure and settlements are also submerged, while access to clean water is disrupted, triggering health problems.
“If it persists, people lose their livelihoods, and social structures can change drastically,” added Prof Yonvitner.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
Prof Yonvitner emphasizes the importance of nature- and technology-based approaches to reduce the risk of tidal flooding, including:
- Strengthening coastal embankments and expanding mangrove planting to withstand waves.
- Controlling groundwater extraction to prevent further land subsidence.
- Building adaptive settlements, such as floating houses, for people who continue to live in vulnerable zones.
- Improve public literacy on evacuation measures and coastal environmental management.
“The government needs to develop innovative policies, such as early warning systems and tidal-resistant infrastructure design, to reduce its impact,” he emphasized.
Tidal flooding is a serious threat to coastal areas that requires integrated handling from the government and the community. With a combination of nature-based mitigation and technological adaptation, it is hoped that the risk of this disaster can be reduced. (IAAS/FMT)
