Lieberman proposes tsunami warning system

By NOREEN GILLESPIE
Associated Press Writer

HARTFORD, Conn. -- To help warn against another deadly tsunami, the United States needs to pursue the development of a global detection and warning system, Sen. Joe Lieberman said Monday.

Lieberman, D-Conn., said he will introduce legislation in Congress that would fund development of such a system.

"When you set the impact of a tsunami in terms of life lost and the cost of repair against the relatively modest investment of the detection and warning system, you just ask yourself, 'Why haven't we done this globally yet?"' Lieberman said.

The Dec. 26 tsunami in the Indian Ocean was triggered by the world's most powerful earthquake in 40 years. The death toll has risen at least 139,000 across 11 countries.

Scientists at warning centers in Hawaii and Alaska have been monitoring waters for more than half a century for earthquakes and tsunamis that could affect their two states, as well as other nations.

But the Indian Ocean did not have the sophisticated equipment that can detect and warn residents about the powerful waves. Other uncovered areas include the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean.

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show that 50 tsunamis have hit the Caribbean in the past 150 years. In the Atlantic, there have been more than 30, but none since 1964. Scientists have expressed concern about seismic activity near Puerto Rico.

Deep-sea sensors can help detect when tsunamis are forming. Buoys also can warn about a change in sea level. Lieberman estimated that the flat cost of such a system _ without maintenance and other operational costs _ would be about $10 million.

"We ought to take the tragedy in Asia as a warning and try to get this done quickly," Lieberman said.

Other officials have also warned that tsunami warning and detection systems need improvement in recent days.

Conrad C. Lautenbacher, chief of the NOAA, said in a recent interview that he has ordered an internal review of the agency's response to the quake and tsunamis. He said he also asked staff to investigate creating a more global warning system.

"If we can improve it, believe me, we will improve it," he said.