SURVEY PULAU PINI & TELUK DALAM NIAS

The 2 ELM boats did a passing survey of the West end of Pulau Pini in the Batu Group (Telos) and discussed the situation with local fishermen. They reported tidal surges but no flooding or loss of life.

They proceeded to Nias Island in bad weather. Both boats stopped in Teluk Dalam for fuel. The town reported no casualties but there was some damage to structures near the shoreline. An overland survey confirmed earlier reports that Legundi village had been damaged extensively but again, no casualties. We did not attempt to assess the damage as the area has good communications, fuel and food. Obviously many families have lost most of their possessions but it seems that the tsunami came in three phases and each was more sever. People were curious when the tide went out the first time and some had run out onto the exposed sand to collect fish. When the first surge came it was not very large but when the cycle repeated, everyone decided to run to high ground.