Case Study: Indian Ocean Tsunami Flashcards
1
Q
Background/ causes
A
- 26th Dec 2004, an earthquake of between 9-9.3 lasting 3 mins
- Earthquake created in the subduction zone where the Indo-Australian plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate.
- 1600km of sea bed displaced by 15m.
- Vast amount of ocean water displaced creating the devastating tsunami wave.
2
Q
Economic impacts
A
- Economies were devastated particularly in agriculture, fishing and tourism
- In Banda Aceh, 44% of people lost their livelihoods
- Thailand -> estimated loss to fishing industry was £226 million
- Negative multiplier effect
- Economic cost estimated by insurance companies at $5 bn
3
Q
Social impacts
A
- 300,000 people estimated to have lost their lives.
- Several thousand foreign tourists died
- Hundreds of thousands made homeless
- Cholera outbreaks common
4
Q
Environmental impacts
A
- Vegetation and topsoil destroyed by tsunami up to 8km inland
- Coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves destroyed by tsunami wave
- Freshwater supplies contaminated by human and chemical waste
5
Q
Short term responses
A
- No early warning system in place at time so few people aware of dangers.
- Tsunami warnings in some countries were slow to be broadcast
- Huge international aid response put into action with over 160 organisations involved.
- Bottles of water, purification tablets, food and tends sent
- UK government provided £75 million
- Australian Air Force deployed
6
Q
Long term responses
A
- UN set up an early warning system in the Indian Ocean
- On tourist beaches in Thailand there are tsunami sirens but isolated rural villages have to rely on radio broadcasts
- UK Disasters and Emergency Committee has spent over £230 million rebuilding homes in Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
- Teaching tsunami awareness in schools and having regular practice drills
7
Q
Evaluation
A
- Low preparedness
- Local NGOs and community leaders were excluded from the immediate relief effort and local knowledge and expertise was not made aware of.
