2024-12-23
20 years after the devastating 2004 tsunami, which claimed more than 230 lives in Indian Ocean countries, experts say today's technological advances and improved warning systems could have saved many more lives. According to an article from HD.se the lessons learned from the disaster have led to significant advances in both technology and international cooperation.
According to prominent researchers, developments in technology and communication have significantly improved the chances of preventing and managing similar disasters in the future.
What has changed since 2004?
Since the tsunami, several countries, including Thailand, have implemented extensive measures to improve preparedness:
- Advanced warning systems: Thailand today has a comprehensive early warning system, with buoys and sensors that monitor sea levels and seismic activity.
- Educational program: Regular drills and information campaigns have increased public awareness of what to do in the event of a tsunami.
- International cooperation: Countries around the Indian Ocean today share data and resources in real time to be able to act quickly in case of threats of natural disasters.
Critical Lessons from 2004
The disaster revealed major deficiencies in the infrastructure and communications at the time:
- Many affected areas had no early warning systems.
- Information did not reach locals and tourists in time.
- Lack of coordination between countries exacerbated the consequences.
"If we had today's technology and level of cooperation in 2004, we could have saved countless lives," says an expert on natural disasters from the Thailand Meteorological Institute.
The memory of the tsunami lives on
Despite the progress, the memory of the 2004 tsunami is still vivid in Thailand. In areas such as Phuket and Khao Lak, annual memorial ceremonies are held to honor the victims and remind the importance of preparedness for natural disasters.
For many, it is a time for reflection and reflection. Read more about how one Swedish priest reflects on the tsunami and its impact almost 20 years later.
At the same time, these regions have worked to rebuild their communities and attract tourists back, a process that has been ongoing for two decades.
The role of tourists in preparedness
Tourist destinations in Thailand have implemented new security procedures to protect visitors. For example, many hotels have evacuation plans and train their staff in crisis management. For visitors it is recommended that:
- Stay informed about local warning systems.
- Follow any evacuation instructions if a warning is issued.
- Learn to recognize natural warning signs such as a sudden return of water from the shore.
Thailand's Tsunami Warning System has developed significantly since the 2004 disaster and today consists of several technical components that work together to quickly detect and warn of tsunamis. Here's an overview of how the system works:
1. Tsunami Monitoring Buoys:
- Investment: The buoys are located in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, approximately 340 km and 965 km west of Phuket respectively. Source: Government of Thailand
- Function: These buoys measure changes in water level and pressure on the seabed. In case of abnormal data, signals are sent via satellite to Thailand's National Disaster Warning Center (NDWC).
2. Bottom-mounted pressure recorders (Bottom Pressure Recorders – BPR):
- Investment: Installed on the seabed at depths up to 3 meters.
- Function: Records changes in water pressure caused by tsunami waves and communicates this data to the surface via acoustic signals.
3. Warning towers along the coast:
- Investment: Over 100 warning towers are erected along Thailand's coastline, particularly on the Andaman coast.
- Function: Upon receipt of a tsunami warning from the NDWC, these towers are activated to broadcast audible signals and voice messages urging evacuation.
4. Communication channels:
- Methods: In addition to warning towers, SMS, TV, radio and the internet are used to spread warnings to the public and authorities.
- Cooperation: Thailand cooperates with international organizations and neighboring countries to ensure rapid information sharing in the event of potential tsunami threats.
5. Regular exercises and training:
- Purpose: To ensure that the system works effectively, regular exercises and training programs are carried out for both authorities and the public.
These technological solutions and coordinated efforts have made Thailand better equipped to quickly detect and manage tsunami threats, increasing safety for residents and visitors alike.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: ddzphoto, Pixabay, original image