On 17th February 1996, the north coast of Biak Island suffered huge 6-metre tsunami waves resulting from an earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale. Tragically 102 people died and 50 were reported missing with many thousands left homeless. Eight years after the tragedy, the north coast area affected by the waves remains derelict. Houses are gone leaving only concrete pads.

The beaches are pristine white sand littered only by whole sun-bleached trees that were uprooted by the force of water. Here is an area still desperately in need of tsunami aid. Sadly it did not receive the worldwide publicity of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 26th December 2004.