Disaster Reduction on the Coasts of the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami of 26th December 2004 has resulted in a massive and generous response for disaster relief and reconstruction, together with plans to be more prepared next time. Disaster reduction, a program delivered before disaster strikes, is the best long term means of reduction of poverty but it receives less attention in the aftermath of a major disaster. An effective disaster reduction program must address all risks, not just tsunamis. For some regions tropical cyclones and storm surges are more frequently deadly than tsunamis. The two can be combined in the assessment of inundation. The program must be one which is affordable in regions of poverty, and it must be one which is implemented by the communities themselves. A procedure is given whereby a "disaster reduction limit state" is added to the procedures of risk assessment. Based on these principles, a Guide to Disaster Reduction on the Coasts of the Indian Ocean is proposed.