27-December-2024-Special-Article

2004 INDIAN OCEAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

On December 26, 2004, the Indian Ocean region experienced a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. This event highlighted the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

What Was the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami?

Origin and Cause

• Magnitude: The earthquake, with a magnitude of 9.1, was the third-largest recorded globally since 1900.
• Location: It originated in the Sunda Trench, where the Indo-Australian plate subducts beneath the Burma microplate (part of the Eurasian plate).
• Scale: The impact spanned 1,300 km, from Sumatra to the Coco Islands.

Geographic Impact

• Countries Affected: Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Malaysia.
• Tremors: The earthquake’s tremors were felt as far as Singapore.
• Infrastructure: The Indian Air Force base in Car Nicobar was completely destroyed.

Human Impact

• Death Toll: Over 227,000 people lost their lives, making it the deadliest tsunami in history.
• Displacement: More than 1.7 million people were rendered homeless due to the destruction of homes and infrastructure.

About Tsunamis

What Are Tsunamis?

• Tsunamis are large sea waves caused by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, or other disturbances.
• Behavior: While tsunamis move swiftly in deep waters, they slow down and increase in height as they approach shallow coastlines.

Causes

• Earthquakes: Submarine earthquakes are the most common cause.
• Other Triggers: Volcanic eruptions, seamount collapses, nuclear explosions, and meteorite impacts can also generate tsunamis.

India’s Vulnerability

• Of India’s 7,516 km coastline, about 5,700 km is prone to tsunamis and cyclones due to its unique geographic conditions.

Lessons Learned from the 2004 Tsunami

Past Incidents

• India previously experienced smaller tsunamis in 1881 (near Car Nicobar) and 1883 (Krakatoa explosion), which did not prepare it for the 2004 event.

Progress in Disaster Management

• Mortality Reduction: Improved disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures have significantly reduced fatalities in cyclones, e.g., Cyclone Yaas (2021).
• Infrastructure Damage: However, cyclones like Dana (2024) still cause significant economic losses, indicating the need for better resilience.

Initiatives Post-2004 to Minimize Damage

Early Warning Systems

• Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC): Established in 2007 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

• Operates from INCOIS in Hyderabad.
• Utilizes seismological stations, tidal gauges, and bottom pressure recorders.

• International Coordination: Functions as a Tsunami Service Provider for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning & Mitigation System (IOTWMS).
• Technological Advancements: Algorithms and supercomputers enable faster and more accurate tsunami predictions.

Real-time Monitoring

• India became the 5th country globally to develop an advanced tsunami warning system.
• Global Efforts: Sea-level monitoring stations have increased to 14,000 worldwide, enhancing detection capabilities.

Research and Technological Improvements

• Tsunami Geology: Studies of coastal areas and mangrove swamps revealed historical tsunami evidence in regions like Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Slow Slips Study: Researchers identified ground movement patterns that preceded the 2004 earthquake, aiding future prediction efforts.
• Nuclear Plant Safety: Facilities like the Kalpakkam nuclear plant demonstrated resilience but highlighted the need for vulnerability assessments.

Global Cooperation

• UNESCO’s Role: After the 2004 disaster, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) led efforts to establish a global tsunami warning system.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines for Tsunami Mitigation

Risk Mapping

• Conduct assessments to identify high-risk coastal areas.

Early Warning Systems

• Establish and maintain seismic sensors, tide gauges, and ocean buoys.
• Disseminate warnings via SMS, radio, and public announcement systems.

Coastal Zoning

• Implement the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification for sustainable development.
• Protect natural buffers like mangroves and sand dunes.

Tsunami-Resilient Infrastructure

• Construct elevated and reinforced buildings, emergency shelters, and seawalls in high-risk zones.

Community Preparedness

• Conduct public awareness campaigns and evacuation drills.
• Develop clear signage and maps for evacuation routes.

Institutional Framework

• Ensure coordination between national, state, and local agencies for efficient disaster response.

Response and Recovery Plans

• Include search and rescue operations, medical aid, and provision of basic needs like food and water.
• Develop long-term strategies for rebuilding affected areas.

Conclusion

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami underscored the importance of preparedness and highlighted the need for robust early warning systems. Significant advancements in technology, research, and international cooperation have improved disaster management. However, continued efforts are required to address gaps, particularly in vulnerable regions, to minimize future impacts.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the lessons learned from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami and evaluate the effectiveness of India’s disaster management measures post-event.”(150 WORDS)