Small Islands Vulnerable to Natural Disasters and Climate Change Impacts

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Universitas Khairun researchers has identified small islands as regions susceptible to natural disasters and climate change impacts. The study, published in Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan, highlights the underlying factors contributing to the occurrence of flash floods in Rua Village, Ternate Island, Indonesia. The researchers emphasize the need for enhanced disaster management strategies on small islands, particularly in light of anticipated future disasters. Their study assesses the effectiveness of existing disaster management strategies implemented on Ternate Island, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration in establishing resilient societies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small islands, such as Ternate Island, Indonesia, exhibit susceptibility to natural disasters and climate change impacts due to constraints like limited size, geographical isolation, high population density, and reliance on natural resources.
  • The study identifies precipitation, topography, and river dynamics, along with rock composition, soil stability, and soil movement characteristics, as contributing factors to flash floods in Rua Village, Ternate Island.
  • The research concludes that inadequate disaster management poses significant challenges to establishing resilient societies on small islands, particularly in Indonesia.
  • The study applies qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to examine the gathered data, represented in a thematic map to better understand the underlying factors contributing to flash floods.
  • The authors, Mohammad Ridwan Lessy and Nani Nagu, along with Kalpin Nur, highlight the importance of stakeholder collaboration and collaborative research in enhancing disaster management strategies on small islands.

Statistics:

  • 23% of the global population resides on small islands, placing them at increased risk of natural disasters and climate change impacts (Source: Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan).
  • Ternate Island, Indonesia, has experienced recurrent flash flood calamities, underscoring the need for improved disaster management strategies.
  • The study examines data from the Rua Village flash flood during the rainy season, noting the crucial role of geological and environmental factors contributing to the disaster.

Sources:

  • Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan. Disaster Management on Small Islands; Lessons from Flash Flood Disaster in Rua Village, Ternate Island, Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan, 2025,23(3):730-741. (Jurnal Ilmu Lingkungan - http://www.ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ilmulingkungan/index)
  • http://www.ejournal.undip.ac.id/index.php/ilmulingkungan/index
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.14710/jil.23.3.730-741