identify the risk factors that influenced the consequences of an INTERNATIONAL natural or man-made disaster and propose a plan to improve the disaster response for similar disasters.
Step 1: Choose a disaster that occurred in a country (outside the United States) within the past 50 years
Step 2: Use the attached rubric to guide your research of the disaster.
Step 3: Develop a 12-14 slide power point presentation of your research, identified risk factors and proposed plan
Improving Disaster Response: The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
Slide 1 (Title Slide)
Speaker Notes Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today, we will delve into the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and explore how we can strengthen disaster response efforts for similar events in the future.
Slide 2: The Disaster (Image)
download
photo_prints
Speaker Notes On December 26, 2004, a colossal undersea earthquake unleashed a chain reaction of monstrous tsunamis across the Indian Ocean. The earthquake’s epicenter lay off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, registering a staggering 9.3 on the Richter scale, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. The resulting tsunamis traveled at incredible speeds, reaching coastlines within minutes and wreaking catastrophic destruction.
Slide 3: Risk Factors (Image)
download
photo_prints
Speaker Notes Several critical risk factors amplified the devastation caused by the 2004 tsunami. The Indian Ocean lacked a robust tsunami warning system, hindering timely evacuation efforts. Coastlines were densely populated, with many communities residing in low-lying areas directly exposed to the tsunami’s wrath. Widespread public unawareness about tsunamis and evacuation procedures further hampered preparedness. Additionally, coastal infrastructure was insufficient to withstand the immense force of the waves.
Slide 4: Consequences (Image)
Speaker Notes The consequences of the 2004 tsunami were horrific. Over 230,000 lives were tragically lost across the affected nations. Entire communities were decimated, with homes, businesses, and infrastructure obliterated by the relentless waves. Millions faced displacement, having lost their homes and livelihoods. The tsunami also caused lasting environmental damage, contaminating water sources and disrupting ecosystems. The economic impact was severe, hindering recovery efforts for years to come.
Slide 5: Existing Disaster Response Measures (Image)
download
photo_prints
Speaker Notes Prior to the 2004 tsunami, disaster response measures in the region primarily focused on other natural hazards like cyclones. Some coastal communities had developed rudimentary warning systems based on natural signs like receding water levels. Additionally, stockpiling of emergency supplies was practiced in some areas. However, these measures proved inadequate in the face of a large-scale tsunami.
Slide 6: Identified Weaknesses in Tsunami Response (Image)
Speaker Notes The 2004 tsunami exposed significant weaknesses in disaster response capabilities. The lack of a regional tsunami warning system was a critical gap. Public education and awareness about tsunamis and evacuation procedures were sorely lacking. Many coastal communities lacked proper evacuation plans and infrastructure to facilitate a