Expert Highlights Three Key Aspects of Coastal Hydrometeorological Disaster Mitigation

An expert from the Faculty of Engineering at Andalas University (Unand), West Sumatra, Professor Mas Mera, has emphasised the importance of addressing three main aspects in the development of hydrometeorological disaster mitigation infrastructure in coastal areas. The goal is to ensure that coastal protection structures possess optimal functional resilience and do not inadvertently endanger the public.

In his statement in Padang on Sunday (5/7), Professor Mas Mera detailed three crucial aspects that must serve as guidelines in coastal engineering. The professor, a specialist in fluid mechanics and hydraulics at Unand, revealed that the functional failure of coastal protection infrastructure is often not caused by poor material quality. Instead, the primary issue lies in the incorrect selection of building typologies due to a lack of understanding regarding the physical working mechanisms of structures in responding to local hydraulic energy.

Expert Warning: “If a beach experiences abrasion due to perpendicular waves, but a groin is forced into construction with the wrong typology, it will not only be ineffective but will also trigger the creation of artificial rip currents along the sides of the structure, endangering tourists,” said Professor Mas

Mera. As concrete evidence of the importance of precise typology, Professor Mas Mera cited a case at Muaro Putuih Beach, Agam Regency. Initially, conventional groin structures there were ineffective at resisting perpendicular waves. However, after being modified into a T-Head Groin (adding a head to the structure), the function of the building changed into a breakwater.

As a result, the modification successfully created a calm zone and triggered massive sedimentation. Theoretically, groins are only suitable for addressing currents parallel to the coast. For perpendicular waves, a breakwater is the correct choice because it can form a tombolo (a sediment deposit that connects an island or structure to the mainland).

Through the application of correct techniques, the area behind the breakwater is not only safe from abrasion but can also be planted with trees and utilised as public space or a safe playground for tourists and children.