Earthquake and major Tsunami kills at least 832 people, with more casualties expected, in Indonesia.

The destruction left in the wake of the Tsunami. BBC/EPA.

A 7.5 earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia has killed at least 832 people with more casualties expected. BBC. The powerful quake generated a tsunami that had 20 feet waves. The city of Palu, population 335,000, was hit hard with more casualties expected and the nearby town of Donggala has yet to be contacted. 1.6 million people have been effected by the disaster with many more casualties expected, perhaps in the thousands. The death toll was made worse due to the fact that many people were near the beach due to a festival. 

An aerial view  of the Palu and Donggala area. BBC/BMKG.

My Comment:

Looks like a major disaster in Indonesia. The Tsunami looks like it killed a lot more than the 832 people that have been reported dead already. Many people are missing and there has been no contact with Donggala. Donggala is a smaller town but it's possible that it was wiped out. With no air access and with ground routes likely blocked or destroyed, it may take some time before we know what happened there. 

Take a look at the aerial photo I posted above. It may explain why this tsunami was so deadly. Palu is at the end of a bay and that bay may have acted like a funnel to focus the energy of the Tsunami. That very may well have made things much worse. If that's the case it may be that the town of Donggala was spared. 

Right now what is important is the rescue and recovery efforts. There are probably people still trapped in Palu that can be saved. Indonesia is lucky that part of the Palu airstrip is still intact. That means the Indonesian and other governments can send in supplies. Logistics might not be that easy though as I am sure ground traffic has been disrupted by the both the earthquake and the tsunami, as well as refugees fleeing the city. 

Still, this event is a stark reminder of the power of mother nature. Some of the most devastating natural disasters in my lifetime at least have been tsunamis. I still remember watching the 2011 Japan tsunami and it was one of the most shocking surreal things I have ever seen. The 2004 Tsunami that also struck Indonesia and much of the rest of the Indian Ocean, was even worse. 

We have been fairly lucky to avoid such disasters in the United States. But it is only a matter of time before a major tsunami hits here. I personally am safe in the middle of Wisconsin, but coastal people need to consider the fact that their beachfront living has a major potential downside...