The Discussion between USAID and TDMRC
Banda Aceh – In a significant visit a team from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently paid a visit to the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) at Universitas Syiah Kuala. The visit, conducted within a Casual Discussion to Explore Potential Stories framework, holds special importance as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2024.
The USAID team was warmly welcomed by Prof. Syamsidik, the Director of TDMRC, along with Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, head of the disaster education division, Dr. Alfi Rahman, head of the human security division, and other division heads. The primary objective of their visit was to explore potential stories highlighting the collaborative achievements between USAID and TDMRC. These stories are intended to be shared with the global community to commemorate the two-decade mark since the devastating Indian Ocean Tsunami.
As the discussions unfolded, the USAID team delved into evaluating the PEER USAID funding received by Prof. Syamsidik from 2016 to 2021. This funding, encompassing two cycles, consisted of the following projects:
- PEER-USAID 3-147: Investigating Tsunami waves impacts on coastal morphological changes based on sediment transport numerical simulations.
- PEER-USAID 5-395: Integrating climate change-induced sea level rise information into coastal cities’ preparedness strategies for coastal hazards.
The collaborative efforts between TDMRC and USAID have played a crucial role in advancing knowledge and preparedness in the face of natural disasters, particularly tsunamis. The projects funded by USAID have not only contributed to understanding the impacts of tsunamis on coastal morphology but have also enhanced coastal cities’ readiness to confront hazards exacerbated by climate change.
The visit concludes with a sense of shared accomplishments and a commitment to continue the collaborative efforts that have proven instrumental in mitigating the impact of natural disasters over the past two decades. As the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami at the end of this year, the stories of resilience, research, and collaboration between USAID and TDMRC stand as a testament to the progress made in disaster mitigation and response.
Group photo session
USAID visit the Observatory Laboratorium
