Countries have since improved their earthquake and tsunami planning, including having early warning systems and rigid building codes, according to Earth science professional Don Melgar of the University of Oregon.
“The truth is that with increasing sea levels, tsunami impacts will become progressively deadlier, ” he told CNA’s Asia First on Monday ( Dec 23 ).
“That’s things that we’re starting to take into account when we make arrangements and estimates. ”
There is also greater local engagement, including data posting, he added.
“That’s not something that was happening in 2004,” said Melgar. So that makes it simpler to warn people when quakes occur.
Additionally, it makes it simpler to exchange knowledge and information in the form of computer models, training, and preparations, but that, nevertheless, the whole region can be strengthened and made more resilient than just this or that nation. ”
He cautioned against complacency when preparing for the next big hazard.
“We’re in a better place, but we’re not at our place, ” he said.
“We may think about our kids and our children’s children. That’s the kind of thinking that will enable us to prevent tragedies like the one from 2004 from occurring again. ”