Supervisors info:
Δρ. Σ. Λόζιος,
Επικ. Καθηγ. ΕΚΠΑ
Δρ. Π. Νομικού,
Επικ. Καθηγ. ΕΚΠΑ
Δρ. Ν. Βούλγαρης,
Καθηγ. ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
The December 26, 2004, earthquake and resulting Indian Ocean tsunami impacted at least 12 countries. Deadly waves reached as far as Africa, with the furthest recorded death in South Africa, 5,000 miles away from the earthquake’s epicenter off the Indonesian coast. With approximately 225,000 lives lost, it was the most deadly tsunami in recorded history, and one of the worst natural disasters in hundreds of years – comparable to the 1976 Tangshan, China, earthquake and the 1970 Bhola, East Pakistan (Bangladesh), cyclone.
The tsunami disaster prompted an unprecedented outpouring of global goodwill and assistance, and the generous pledges of support offer hope that the devastated communities will be able to rebuild. Experience has shown, however, that initial pledges for natural disasters often go unfulfilled as media coverage wanes and international attention turns elsewhere.
Reconstruction will probably take five years or more in most seriously affected areas. Studies by international financial institutions have assessed the costs of the devastation, and while the economic effects are relatively small for countries as a whole, the effects are devastating for local communities. Indonesia was hit the hardest, while Sri Lanka, India, the Maldives, and Thailand were also significantly impacted. Beyond the loss of life and economic damages, affected communities also face social dislocations and widespread trauma.
The tourism industry is rebounding quickly although coastal areas still suffer from a shortage of visitors. Finally, efforts to build a regional natural disaster warning system are moving forward, albeit at a slow pace.
Keywords:
Environment, Disaster, Crisis, Management Strategies, Tsunami, Indonesia, Earthquake, Tourism Industry, Indian Ocean
