Nineteen years ago on this day, massive tidal waves battered the coast of Sri Lanka and 13 other countries in the Indian Ocean and Africa, killing over 240,000 people and rendering 1.7 million homeless. For a population that did not even know the word ‘tsunami’ before 2004, we are now very much aware of the dangers posed by these massive waves.
The tsunami arose from a displacement between the India and Burma plates, 70 Km off the west coast of northern Sumatra. The earthquake’s initial magnitude was estimated at 8.0 on the Richter scale. Almost 40 hours after the quake, they learned that its true force stayed hidden as it travelled along 1000 Km of a fault line. The final reading, published in May 2005, indicated that the Indian Ocean quake had one of the highest magnitudes ever recorded at 9.1. It even managed to shake the Earth a bit off its regular orbit.
One of the main reasons for the massive loss of life in the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami was the lack of an early warning system. Although the US Geological Survey tried to warn the Indian Ocean countries, a combination of missteps and other factors prevented the message from going to the right eyes and ears. The result was a tragedy of huge proportions.
Today, the situation is much better. The Indian Ocean region has a sophisticated tsunami information gathering and distribution network that cost billions of dollars called the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS). In addition, there are more than 60 Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART), sensors worldwide.
Our authorities must assess the viability and readiness of our own tsunami/earthquake warning systems in conjunction with those of other Indian Ocean countries. With the apparent failure of these systems in Indonesia on many recent occasions, all Indian Ocean countries including Sri Lanka must take immediate collective measures to repair and upgrade the warning systems.
The tsunami warning mechanism is now ingrained in our minds and the moment coastal dwellers hear about an undersea earthquake somewhere in Asia, they are mentally prepared to reach higher ground. Still, education and awareness are much needed.
All local cellular operators have tested their capability to mass broadcast SMS messages on tsunamis to their subscribers. Warning siren towers have been erected in all coastal areas, with the paths to safety clearly marked. Television and radio stations are under instructions to broadcast any warning messages, for those who may not have access to smartphones.
Worldwide, scientists are beginning to unravel more details and secrets about tsunamis.
While Japan, from where the very word “tsunami” ‘Big Wave in Japanese’ comes, leads the world in tsunami research, many other countries are actively engaged in the field. In tsunami preparedness, it turns out there can be strength in beauty. Japanese researchers recently concluded that rows of green hills strategically arranged along coastlines can help to fend off destruction from tsunamis while preserving ocean views and access to the shore. For some communities, they may offer a better option than towering seawalls. Giant seawalls are the conventional approach to mitigating tsunami risk. Japan, for example, has built hundreds of miles of concrete walls, taller than 40 feet in some places, at a cost of more than US$ 12 billion since tsunami waves flattened coastal communities throughout eastern Japan in March 2011. Scientists say coastal forests can help put the brakes on tsunami flow speeds in nearby towns and villages. These and other nature-based solutions are increasingly important in plans for coastal risk management.
Sri Lankan universities too must take a pro-active interest in tsunami research, given Sri Lanka’s increased vulnerability to earthquakes and tsunamis. Several tremors have been felt in Sri Lanka recently. The lesson is that an earthquake or tsunami can strike anytime without any warning. We must be prepared for bigger earthquakes and tsunamis. Eternal vigilance is the only answer.
Any advances that can accurately predict the formation of a tsunami is welcome, bearing in mind that the death toll from tsunamis during the past century is higher than that from any other natural hazard. The idea is to give at least a half-hour head start to residents to get to higher ground. It is vital to literally drill the tsunami into young minds – in Chile, for example, even kindergarten kids have to undergo regular tsunami evacuation practice sessions.
We still do not have the technology to accurately anticipate earthquakes and tsunamis. But during the intervening 19 years, scientists have learned a lot about tsunamis, so there is hope for such advances.
The most enduring legacy of the 2004 Tsunami should be the continuing improvement of disaster response and prevention capacities in our society on the one hand and the pursuit of greater environmental and climate sensitivity on the other. Ultimately, the lives of those affected by the Tsunami will have true meaning only if Sri Lankan society can effectively contribute to environmental protection and the reversal of global warming.
