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Indian Ocean Tsunami: Formation & Vulnerable Regions | UPSC Editorials

Last Updated on Dec 31, 2024
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The Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004, was one of the most disastrous natural disasters in recent history, killing more than 2,30,000 people and leaving massive destruction in several countries, including India. It highlighted glaring gaps in early warning systems, preparedness, and response mechanisms. Over the past two decades, India has made a great leap forward in terms of disaster management, preparedness, and response. India stands today stronger and better equipped to face such disasters in the future. This article will throw light on the many aspects of tsunamis, their formation, vulnerable regions in India, measures to reduce their impact, government initiatives, distinctions between tsunamis and regular ocean waves, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS), the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC), and its role within the UNESCO-IOC framework.

Analysis based on 

Editorial 20 years after Indian Ocean tsunami, India is better prepared published in The Indian Express on December 26th, 2024

Topics for UPSC Prelims

Oceans, Tectonic plates, Natural Disasters, Disaster Management, Important organizations related to disaster management

Topics for UPSC Mains

Classification and types of disasters: natural and man-made, Mitigation of disasters and natural hazards, Disaster Management Act, 2005 and its provisions

What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of waves in the ocean that come from the sudden displacement of a large volume of water, usually caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides below the water. The name "tsunami" originated from the Japanese words "tsu," meaning "harbor," and "nami," meaning "wave." Unlike wind-caused waves, a tsunami has the entire column of water, from the top down to the ocean floor, moving, which gives tsunamis the potential to be extremely strong and travel long distances quickly.

How is a Tsunami Formed?

The common ways a tsunami is produced involve seismic activity under the ocean. There are the following two basic processes:

  • Underwater Earthquakes: Tectonic plates can cause underwater earthquakes that displace a large volume of water if they shift suddenly. This is the most common reason for tsunamis.
  • Volcanic Eruptions: Submarine volcanic eruptions can cause sudden displacement of water, thus producing tsunami waves.
  • Landslides: Huge landslides, especially those that happen underwater or into the ocean from coastal cliffs, can cause tsunamis.
  • Meteorite Impacts: While not very common, huge meteorite impacts in oceans can cause water displacement and thus tsunamis.

Read the article on Disaster Management in India!

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Regions of India that are Most Vulnerable to Tsunamis

India's long coastline, stretching around 7,516 kilometers, has made many regions susceptible to tsunamis. The most susceptible regions are:

  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: These islands are located near the seismically active Sunda Arc and are highly susceptible to tsunamis.
  • Eastern Seaboard: States along the Bay of Bengal such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal are susceptible due to their proximity to the Indian Ocean.
  • Western Coastline: Although less frequent, the western coast including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala, can experience tsunamis generated by seismic activities in the Arabian Sea and beyond.

Read the article on the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)!

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Tsunamis

Reducing tsunami effects requires a holistic approach that focuses on early warning systems, infrastructure development, community preparedness, and effective response mechanisms. Some major measures are:

  • Early Warning Systems: A well-designed and well-maintained robust seismic and sea-level monitoring system should be capable of detecting the occurrence of a tsunamigenic event in real time.
  • Infrastructure Strengthening: Building tsunami-resistant buildings and coastal barriers to weaken the impact of waves.
  • Community Preparedness: Regular education and awareness programs, mock drills, and evacuation plans to keep the community well-prepared.
  • Coastal Zone Management: Policy for sustainable development should reduce risks caused by tsunamis. Construction activities must be restricted in high-risk zones.
  • Research and Development: Investing in scientific research to understand tsunamis better and improve model predictions.

Government Initiatives for Tsunami-Related Disaster Management

The Government of India has undertaken some initiatives to strengthen its capacity for disaster management, in the context of tsunamis:

  • Disaster Management Act, 2005: Enacted in the wake of the 2004 tsunami, this act led to the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to formulate and implement strategies for disaster resilience.
  • Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC): Set up at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad, operational since 2007, providing real-time monitoring and early warning for tsunamigenic events.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): A specialized response force ready to handle natural and man-made disasters, including tsunamis.
  • State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Established in various coastal states to develop localized disaster management plans and ensure effective implementation.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Regular campaigns and training programs that are aimed at educating the public about tsunami risks and preparedness measures.

Read the article on the Causes, Effects & List of Tsunami- Prone Areas in India!

Differences Between Tsunamis and Regular Ocean Waves

Understanding the differences between tsunamis and ordinary ocean waves requires both scientific and safety contexts:

Differences Between Tsunamis and Regular Ocean Waves

Aspect

Tsunamis

Ordinary Ocean Waves

Cause

Caused by underwater seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.

Caused by wind blowing across the surface of the ocean.

Wave Properties

Travel through the entire vertical water column, with wavelengths of hundreds of kilometers and speeds up to 800 km/h in the deep ocean.

Primarily surface waves, with shorter wavelengths and slower speeds (up to 100 km/h).

Energy

Energy is spread throughout the entire water column, allowing it to travel across ocean basins with little energy loss.

Energy is mostly confined to surface layers, dissipating more quickly.

Impact

Can cause catastrophic flooding and destruction upon reaching the shore.

Typically have a much smaller impact, usually limited to erosion or minor coastal effects.

Read the article on the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services!

About the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System (IOTWS)

The international IOTWS, following the disaster of 2004, was initiated toward betterment of tsunami warning capability within the Indian Ocean. A network of various seismic stations, tide gauges, and deep-ocean tsunami detection buoys provides its data to regional and national tsunami warning centers. Tsunamigenic event detection happens in time by the system, and consequently, warning issues in a way as to save people and property are dispersed.

About the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC)

The IITWC, hosted by INCOIS, is India's main agency for monitoring and issuing tsunami warnings. It has a real-time seismic monitoring network, tide gauges, and a network of deep-ocean assessment and reporting of tsunamis (DART) buoys. Key features include:

  • Real-time Monitoring: The center can detect tsunamigenic earthquakes within 10 minutes of occurrence and provides timely updates to relevant authorities.
  • Data Integration: Integrate data from various sources such as international seismic networks to increase accuracy in detection.
  • Public Alerts: Applies modern communication, such as CAP and GIS mapping to alert the public and officials.
  • Educational Outreach: Engages in regular public awareness campaigns and training programs to enhance community preparedness.

About the UNESCO-IOC Framework

The ITEWC functions under the aegis of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), that coordinates international tsunami warning systems. The IOC's endeavors are aimed at promoting cooperation among nations, standardizing practices in tsunami monitoring, and sharing data and technology development in a timely manner. This framework enhances global preparedness and response capabilities through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative research.

Read the article on the Man-made Hazards!

Conclusion

The tragic Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 has acted as an impetus for major ameliorations in disaster preparedness and management in the country. India has managed to build strong mechanisms involving early warning, community preparation, and scientific research following such tragedies. The establishment of specific institutions, such as the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre, and collaboration within specific international frameworks, such as UNESCO-IOC, fortify India's resilience toward tsunamis. Continual investments in technology, infrastructure, and public education are imperative to sustain and enhance such efforts, keeping the nation vigilant and prepared for the next tsunamigenic event. Collective effort at local, national, and international levels will allow India to reduce the impact of such natural disasters and protect its citizens.

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UPSC Practice Question
  1. Discuss the role of early warning systems in disaster management, with special reference to the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC). How have these systems evolved in India since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami?
  2. Examine the measures taken by the Indian government to enhance community preparedness and resilience against tsunamis since the 2004 disaster. How effective have these measures been in ensuring the safety and well-being of the coastal communities?
  3. Analyze the significance of international cooperation in disaster management within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Discuss the role of frameworks like the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in facilitating a coordinated response to tsunamis.

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