Indian Ocean Tsunami, December 2004 Flashcards
When did the Indian Ocean tsunami take place?
26th of December 2004
What was the magnitude of the earthquake?
Between 9 and 9.3 on the Richter scale
Where was the Indian Ocean tsunami earthquake?
Around 240km North West of Sumatra, Indonesia
Which plates caused the event?
The Indian Plate subducting under the Burma plate
How many people died in the event?
Approximately 300,000 across Asia and Africa
What are some primary impacts of the event?
Up to 300,000 people died
Vegetation and top soils were removed up to 800m in land
Infrastructure was destroyed
Coastal settlements such as Banda Aceh in Sumatra were completely destroyed
What are some of the secondary impacts of the event?
Widespread homelessness, up to 500,000 people forced into refugee camps in Aceh Provence Indonesia alone
Economies were devastated as finishing vessels were destroyed resulting in 44% of Aceh provinces livelihoods being lost in fishing
Water suppliers and soils contaminated with salt water
The gap between the rich who better protected themselves and their livelihoods and the poor with even less resources etc. Than before became larger.
Immediate responses:
Massive international relief efforts were established by organisations such as the UN
Foreign military troops from mostly Australia helping to rebuild for example by improving air traffic control to support aid
Longer term responses:
Large scale programs of reconstruction but there are still thousands of people without homes even today
Existing class produces were highlighted as Indian politicians ignored working class resulting in larger gaps between rich and poor.
Tourist resorts were quickly rebuild providing influx of money to stimulate jobs etc. But this was controversial as locals were forgotten.
Education and practice drills are now thoroughly taught
The Un funded warning sirens but these are controversial as they are usually found in tourist areas leaving locals vulnerable
