Creating awareness about Tsunami Warning Systems

The tragedy that struck the shores of S.E. Asia on December 26th, 2004 is heart rending, especially because most of the human lives that were lost could have been saved.


The tragedy struck islands, atolls and nations that were least prepared for it. These are poor nations that can ill afford to invest in early warning systems, and quite tragically it seems to take a disaster of this magnitude to create public awareness.

Initial reflex reactions would naturally be to set up tsunami prediction center. However, it is imperative to step back and consider the ground realities. Most nations in this region lack comprehensive disaster warning and recovery infrastructure. It logically follows then that a Tsunami warning center working without the infrastructure to deliver the message is quite meaningless.

This blog is being set up to collect news and opinions on the rationale for a comprehensive early warning system in such situations. Please send your news contributions and opinions to tsunami AT cheeni DOT net for publication.