Tsunami: Necessary Government Response

Governments can and should play important roles in preparing for tsunamis. A comprehensive governmental effort should include physical preparation as well as educating the public.

Computer models are able to approximate a tsunami’s arrival time and strength given inputs about the causes and topography of the sea floor.

Certain regions may have tsunami warning systems to warn the citizenry before the tsunami reaches land. Some areas along the Pacific Coast of the United States have warning signs directing the population in case of a tsunami. Computer models are able to approximate a tsunami’s arrival time and strength given inputs about the causes and topography of the sea floor.

Several countries have taken the initiative to install measures to dampen the damage of tsunamis. For instance, Japan has built extensive sea walls in populated coastal areas.  Unfortunately, tsunamis are often higher than such obstacles. Tree covered shorelines can also greatly mitigate the impacts of tsunamis, as shown in the village of Naluvedapathy in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Hence, governments should take the initiative of planting trees along tsunami-prone coastlines for its environmental friendliness and effectiveness against tsunamis.

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