Earth sciences expert Diego Melgar of the University of Oregon said countries have since improved their earthquake and tsunami preparedness, including having early warning systems and strict building codes.
“The truth is that with increasing sea levels, tsunami impacts will become progressively deadlier,” he told CNA’s Asia First on Monday (Dec 23).
“That’s something that we’re starting to take into account when we make preparations and calculations.”
There is also greater regional collaboration, including data sharing, he added.
“That’s not something that was happening in 2004,” said Melgar. “So that makes it easier to alert folks when tsunamis happen.
“It also makes it easier to share knowledge and information in terms of computer models and training and preparations, so that overall the entire region can be lifted and made more resilient rather than just this country or that country.”
He warned against being complacent when it comes to getting ready for the next major disaster.
“We’re in a better place, but we’re not at our destination,” he said.
“We must think about our children and our children’s children. That’s the kind of mindset that will truly allow us to make it so that tragedies like the 2004 one never happen again.”
Source: CNA
