Coastal Solutions

On our last day, we toured the eastern and southern Upolu coasts, where the tsunami had its biggest impact. We were struck by the widespread devastation, not dissimilar from that of hurricanes (cyclones). In a few low-lying locations there was evidence that the tsunami reached inland approximately 1 kilometer.

Unlike in American Samoa (Tutuila), there were long, straight stretches of sandy beaches. In many of these beach communities, the tsunami caused total damage to both beach fales and the residential homes located on the landward side of the coastal road.

Rubble-mound revetments lined much of the coastal area. Due to the relatively small stone size, these revetments were heavily damaged by the tsunami in most areas. For example, in Satitoa, on the eastern coast, stones were strewn across the coast, with many stones transported tens of meters inland.

Toward the end of the day, we stopped in Poutasi, a small coastal village situated just to the east of a National Park. Unlike some of the totally devastated coastal communities to the east, damage to residences and public buildings in Poutasi varied from total destruction to partial destruction. This was likely due to a relatively lower flood depth in this region. Of note was a newly constructed home on the beach which appeared to be structurally sound, although damage to windows and interior walls was evident. The village church also sustained some damage; indicated by destruction of lower window-panes only, the water level reached about midway up the wall.

At the end of the day we returned to Apia via the cross-island road, stopping at our host’s plantation to pick fresh bananas for the following day’s breakfast.

– ASCE/COPRI tsunami assessment team

Lesley Ewing, P.E., Team Leader, Coastal Engineer, California Coastal Commission

Jennifer L. Irish, Ph.D., P.E.; Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University

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