Managing the 2004 Tsunami Evaluation

Pre-Disaster Lack of education about Tsunami’s (people went to investigate the withdrawing sea) Lack of quality buildings to withstand shaking/tsunami Lack of Tsunami Warning System

Relief Remote communities cut off, many left alone for days Otherwise, response was deemed good. Rapid influx of army and overseas aid. Few deaths from starvation. Temporary shelters/schools set up quickly

However, wars in Aceh and Sri Lanka, coupled with destruction of underground communication cables, saw a delay in organisation of logisitics

Rehabilitation Focus in some countries (Thailand) on tourist resorts to bring in money Fishing industry also prioritised Cash for work programme deemed to be a success

Restoring infrastructure elsewhere deemed to be slow. Many delays due to land ownership issues. Also due to lack of agreement of how to rebuild. Should we rebuild next to the coast at all? Too many cooks? (Too many limbs)

Recovery New Indian Ocean warning system now in place Tourism back to above pre tsunami levels in Thailand within 2 years

Recommendations To have a disaster pot of money ready to avoid waiting for appeals To encourage rebuilding for prevention (difficult when such a rare event happens)