Survey report of the damage caused by the April 2007 Solomon Islands tsunami in the villages of Siboro, Suva, and Pailongge, Ghizo Island

- Investigating the effect of trees in reducing tsunami damage-

Abstract

The April 2007 Solomon Islands tsunami caused extensive damage to the villages of Siboro, Suva, and Pailongge on Ghizo Island; out of 70 houses, all but five were destroyed by the tsunami and the earthquake. The effect of coastal forest in reducing the degree of damage caused by the tsunami was investigated. Since the mitigation of tsunami damage is not only affected by coastal forest but also by other factors such as tsunami scale, elevation, tide level, and the construction and strength of houses, it is difficult to isolate the effect of trees in reducing tsunami force. The structure of houses, building materials, elevation and the degree of damage were surveyed in the three villages. In addition, the tree spacing and distribution, species and size were recorded in the areas seaward of the residual houses. It was concluded that house structure and the number and characteristics of seaward trees determined the extent of tsunami damage.