On December 26th, 2004, a massive 9-magnitude underwater earthquake triggered the Indian Ocean tsunami. The giant wave took the lives of 227,000 people and affected over a dozen countries. It was the first time in recent history that anyone had witnessed such a ‘global disaster’ and the word ‘tsunami’ came to the forefront.

Coincidentally, in the wake of this mega-disaster, 178 countries attended the world conference on disaster risk reduction in 2005. Here, a 10-year framework on reducing disaster risk (entitled Hyogo Framework for Action-HFA) was adopted.

In the last 10 years, much has been done to enhance tsunami warnings, infrastructural and natural costal barriers, resilience of coastal communities and disaster awareness; including many innovative measures adopted by communities themselves. Yet this decade has also seen some of the worst disaster events; including an earthquake-triggered tsunami and compound disaster in Tohuku, Japan.  

As we reach the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, preparations are also ongoing for a new global disaster framework that will replace the HFA. What have we experienced in these 10 years and how can we take forward this learning to the next framework?

Reference Materials

Tsunami Learning (Emergency Response and Relief)- E discussion. By Mihir Bhatt, All India Disaster Mitigation Institute, Gujarat.
Issued on 21 May 2008  As first part of the tsunami learning action group, it brings out experiences of emergency response and relief by humanitarian agencies during the 2004 tsunami.
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Development of Schools as Eco-centres in Tsunami-affected Areas - Examples; Referrals. By G. Nagarajan, Aide et Action , Nagapatinam.  Crosspost with Water Community
Issued on 10 March 2010 Provides approaches to improve sanitation access and usage and details roles of community, schools, government and implementation agencies in raising awareness on sanitation and hygiene.
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Investigating Safe Construction Practices and Disaster Risk Reduction Techniques Undertaken by NGOs in Tamil Nadu-  Examples; Referrals. By Sarthak Kumar, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, New Delhi.
Issued on 30 March 2008. Shares innovative building technologies/safe construction practices employed for constructing houses after tsunami and references of individuals/organizations involved.
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