Tsunami Disaster Management - Term Paper Example

Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Tsunami Disaster Management Contents Introduction 3 Background 3 Tsunami Emergency Management Systems 5 Man made warning systems 5 Weather Radio 6 Emergency Alert System 7 Natural Warning Systems 7 Preparation by Governments and Local Communities on Tsunami Management 8 Space Technology 9 Conclusion 11 Works cited 12 Introduction Calamities such as landslides, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, cyclones, volcanic eruptions and fires are natural phenomena that account for death of thousands of people. In addition, these calamities cause significant environmental and economic impact in areas that they hit leading to loss in millions of dollars in both instances. Even though it is virtually impossible to fully recover the damages attributed to these calamities, measures can be taken to: (I) reduce potential dangers by creating policies that forewarn the masses when such calamities approach (ii) offer resilience to such calamities through preparation and execution of developmental plans (iii) amass resources, telemedicinal and communication services included (iv) assistance in the form of rehabilitation and post-calamity reconstruction. Putting into place the measures mentioned above is what is referred to as disaster management strategies. A tsunami is a train of waves, spawn in a body of water by an impetuous disturbance that shifts the water column perpendicularly. Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, explosions, and landslides can cause tsunamis. Incidentally, the impact of extraterrestrial bodies like meteorites can also be attributed to the generation of tsunamis. Coastlines are vulnerable to tsunami attacks resulting in loss of life and properties. The aim of this paper is to discuss emergency preparedness systems with regards to tsunami and the best approach to be taken by governments in the event of such calamities. (Gray). Background The Indian Ocean tsunami that was generated in 2004 by the deep sea earthquake is considered to be the worst natural calamity in human history. Other than an alarming death toll of close to 350,000 people, there are two outstanding features that make this catastrophe an important study in relation to disaster management issues: first is that this calamity lead to the loss of lives in several countries in two continents thus making it the first truly global calamity, Second is that response to this calamity was global in a manner never witnessed before, millions of regular citizens assisted donor agencies and governments by sending donations, for instance, in some donor countries such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, Germany and Italy, donations from citizens to these countries exceeded the substantial donations made by their respective governments (Athukorala and Resosudarma 3) The 2004 earthquake with a 9.0 magnitude in Indonesia that generated the biggest tsunami the world has ever witnessed is going to form the basis of this research due to its relevance. Additionally owing to high death toll numbers implies that there were measures that were overlooked thus lessons learnt with respect to tsunami emergency preparedness. In Indonesia, there are a number of agencies charged with the responsibility of observing seismic movements together with other natural calamities in that country. These agencies comprise of: Meteorology and Geophysics agency, Volcano and Geological Disaster and Mitigation Directorate, and Centre of Geological Research and development. These agencies with the assistance of global institutions have been carrying out research on tsunami in Indonesia. Some few years back , these agencies together created a map demonstrating where tsunami events have high chances of occurrence, however, this initiative did not bring about any developments with regards to full and systematic tsunami observation system due to lack of funds. But even if there was existence of such a system, it would have made no difference in the Indian Ocean tsunami as the earthquake’s epicentre was close in proximity to Aceh and had hit the land in 15 minutes. (Athukorala and Resosudarma 12) Tsunami Emergency Management Systems A lot of lives can be saved through warning of a potential tsunami arrival. From the perspective of warning and evacuation, a tsunami’s origin may either be local or distant. The difference between the two is that a distant tsunami hits the coastline in hours, while a local tsunami on the other hand, hits the coastline in minutes. Communities living along the coast usually are warned of an impending tsunami either through natural means that they can observe or feel, or by artificial means, that take the form of weather radios and sirens, triggered by messages relayed from tsunami warning centers. Artificial warning systems like telephone, sirens, weather radios, and the Emergency Alert System (EAS), are without doubt the most effective means for warning when it comes to distant tsunami. Incidentally, the artificial systems also come in handy for the “all clear” notifications in the case of long distant tsunamis. And for local tsunamis, should the equipment survive the earthquake. Some of the natural warnings of a local tsunami include; unusual water conditions, and strong earthquake shaking, like for instance sudden drawdown or rapid rise of the ocean. It is imperative that evacuation be carried out immediately. The artificial warning system might be damaged by the earthquake thus making it unavailable as a warning instrument (Bernard 112) Man made warning systems When it comes to man made warning systems, the objective of any community residing along the coastal line is to obtain an effective coverage system at an affordable/cheap cost. Implementation costs of new systems can be quiet high. These costs encompass, key elements, as well as labour, training and maintenance costs. Sirens are part of manmade/ artificial systems. Sirens are defined as either fully electronic or electro-mechanical gadgets. These gadgets are triggered either manually or electronically. Both types of sirens produce standard siren reverberation but electronic sirens can also relay public service announcements. Public address announcements ought to be brief, and preferably, pre-recorded to avoid incoherent messages from a system operator under stress. Sirens should have a single tone that reverberates for a distinct period of time. The reason behind this standardization is that reduces confusion amongst residents or non-permanent populations along the coastline. Compared to other types of artificial warning systems, sirens bear the advantage of reaching every population in the radio. Upon transmission, alarms on specially designed weather radio receivers are activated by the tsunami warnings. Weather Radio apply digital encoding scheme called Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME). This encoding scheme enables warning transmissions over a wide area whilst activating alarms on only specific receivers. Receivers are programmed by users for certain types of alarms deemed relevant to their respective locations (Bernard 113) Weather Radio Warnings transmitted via the weather radio can be re-transmitted automatically to commercial television, cable and radio. The National Weather Radio Services could be used by the local authorities to offer pressing follow-up information for the local residents following the tsunami warning transmissions. The tsunami warnings issued through the weather radio may entail messages such as: “follow instructions or take appropriate actions from local authorities.” This can only be effective if the population is well educated. The limitations attributing to the use of the weather radio as a tsunami warning system. Tourists cannot be comprehensively served unless hotel rooms within which they reside are in possession of Weather Radio Stations. Incidentally, not all areas are within the range of a transmitter, this is based on the fact that some coast lines are inherently rugged. Current transmitters need the line of sight for sufficient reception. Emergency Alert System The Emergency Broadcast System was replaced by the Emergency Alert system in 1996. Emergency Alert Systems stations comprise of television, radio and large cable operators. Messages can come from any one in authority: trickles right from the state president, the state governor, all the way down to the local incident commanding officer. Natural Warning Systems The most outstanding natural warning, with regard to tsunami, and one which locals, experts or countries can afford to overlook at their own peril is that of massive ground shaking as a result of an earthquake. Evacuation from low lying areas of the coastline should be executed immediately. Should people ignore these signs under the pretext of waiting for another warning they might find it difficult to reach safe ground once the disaster hits. Explaining massive shaking and the period of shaking to the local coastal residents might prove to be somewhat difficult. These signs are extremely subjective. One option is using ground shaking as an evacuation sign. Another option is to leave these signs with for the local government authorities to interpret. However, using the massive ground shaking as the only evacuation warning could bring about problems more so when four special conditions are put into consideration. These special conditions entail: inland earthquakes, smaller subduction zone earthquakes, earth quakes induced submarine landslides, and slow earthquakes. Various challenges that identify with artificial systems are highlighted as follows: Artificial warning systems are not only expensive, but in most cases they are barely adequate to cover all areas of risks. Artificial systems should also be strong enough to endure massive earthquakes. For instance, communities in possession of public announcement siren systems should complement this system with an Emergency Alert System in order to access as many people as they possibly can. This redundancy would not only warn residents of the distant tsunami threats effectively, they would also supplement the warning for a natural catastrophe. However, if the masses are to rely on artificial systems, they should be toughened so as to withstand earthquakes irrespective of how strong. (Bernad 113-119) Preparation by Governments and Local Communities on Tsunami Management Ascertaining the magnitude and location of an earthquake quickly, can prevent unnecessary evacuation, and bring evacuation to stop in instances of non tsunami generating earthquakes. Systems that can offer this service therefore should be available at all times. Additionally, fast and precise warnings broadcasted by tsunami warning centres can purge or reduce uncalled for local actions. Communities residing along the coastline would be far much safe if there is a wide coverage, fast dissemination of information, and reinforcement of strong artificial warning systems. It does not matter what system community owns, without the relevant education to complement the same, the system would be ineffective. It is thus imperative that the public be educated on a constant basis as this is a significant way of nurturing tsunami prepared communities (Bernad 148) Governments should carry microzonation risk study and vulnerability assessment analysis. This entails the following: Identifying the relevant areas with respect to the study based on past evidence of historical tsunamis, bordering tectonic scenario s such as seismic maps, current and future socioeconomic progress and suspected allusions of a disturbance relating to a major tsunami. Evaluation of vulnerability to both secondary and primary causes of the people, buildings, life lines, marine structures and so on (Bottari and Mayer-Rosa 671). Identifying risk zones and mapping them according to vulnerability evaluation and land use patterns. Coming up with countermeasures recommendations like the population redistribution, upgrading of evacuation routes, services and structures, spotting shelters and barriers that may prove to be barriers against the tsunami action and execution of public awareness programs (Bernard 313). Space Technology The role played by space technology in proficient mitigation of calamities is crucial. Even though satellites assist in pending catastrophe warning, tele-medicine support and mobilization of aid, earth observation satellites offer the necessary database for pre-disaster management programs, observing activities, disaster response, and assessment, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of post- disaster damages. (Nayat and Zlatanova 60) Space systems have explicitly displayed capabilities in offering vital information and services with regards to disaster preparedness and management. Earth observation satellites offer wide-ranging, synoptic, and vast area multi temporal coverage at regular intervals and in real time, therefore, these satellites are valuable for constant observation of atmospheric as well as exterior parameters relating to natural calamities. Geo-stationary satellites offer constant observations over wide areas on weather cyclone observation included. Then there are Polar orbiting satellites that despite low temporal frequency, can offer high resolution images, which can greatly assist in damage evaluation, detailed observation, and long term aid management. Communication satellites possess broad capabilities for timely propagation of early warning and real-time management of aid operations. These communication capabilities are further enhanced by providing reduced costs and feasible technological solutions aimed at the management and reduction of calamities through the introduction of VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminals) and USAT (Ultra Small Aperture Terminals). Both mobile and fixed satellite communication capabilities are essential when it comes to effective communication, more specifically in the collection of data, making distress calls, and coordinating aid operations as well as position location in the field. Incidentally, search and rescue satellites possess capabilities like position determination abilities which might prove to be useful in a variety of distress situations be it in land, air or sea. (Rao) [Online] An interesting case that cannot go unnoticed is that of an Island in Indonesia known as the Simeule Island, this island which is situated one hundred kilometres from the epicentre reported an alarmingly low death toll despite being one of the places that were severely hit by the tsunami. Close to 5000 houses were damaged and hundreds of people were injured. Interestingly, the number of recorded deaths was only seven. Reasons attributed to this low death toll are: First, the impacts of the giant waves were softened by the sea grass, coral reefs and mangrove forests. Second, the natives have a culture that is transferred from generation to generation that plays a significant role when it comes to carrying out precautionary measures with respect to natural calamities. Culture from this island dictates that if a native notices a potential earthquake they run to the closest hill shouting in a local language, others who get to hear him first will repeat the same, and the chorus will go on and on. This method proved to be quiet effective with regards to the respect the local tsunami. (Athukorala and Resosudarma 13). Conclusion The outcome of this research is that it is extremely important for governments with the assistance of donor agencies and other aid agencies to put in place necessary precautionary measures to cushion against impending natural calamities. This would ensure that lives that would otherwise been lost are saved. This applies to property damage and the economical aspects too. Works cited Athukorala, Prema and Resosudarmo, Budy. P. The Indian Ocean Tsunami: Economic Impact, Disaster Management, and Lessons, 2005. Bernard, Eddie. N. Developing tsunami resilient communities: the national tsunami hazard. Netherlands: Springer publishers, 2005. Bernard, Eddie. N. Tsunami hazard: a practical guide for tsunami hazard reduction Netherlands: Kluwer academic publishers group, 1991. Bottari, A and Mayer Rosa D. Messina Seismological Observatory Memorial Volume. Die Deutsche Bibliothek: Germany, 2005 Nayak, S. and Zlatanova, S. Remote sensing and GIS technologies for monitoring and preparation of disasters. Netherlands. Springer publishers, 2008. Rao, D. P. Disaster Management (n.d) 12th June 2010. Read More