Banyak Islands

The islands have long been noted for the existence of substantial offshore coral reefs, though problems with overharvesting, damage from explosives, and recent geological disturbances have threatened these underwater resources.

The Pulau Banyak area contains many varieties of stony Heliopora and branching Acropora types of coral.

The eastern islands were affected the most due to the poor construction of buildings, as many structures contained timber instead of concrete.

The level of the islands also dropped by as much as a meter in places, plunging coastal areas underwater and making them permanently uninhabitable.

Wells became contaminated by saltwater following the meter-high surge that hit the villages, and the tsunami flowed 100–200 meters into the dense jungle.

Fresh sand carried by the tsunami adhered on the seaward side of tree trunks as high as one meter above ground level.

[13] The area is popular among tourists on surfing holidays with some of the better waves being witnessed at Bangkaru due to the larger fetch.

[15] Environmental hazards created by climate change, ocean acidification, overfishing and unsustainable practices remain concerns for the region.