2004 Tsunami: 17 years on, here's how India has bettered its preparation against disasters

On December 26, 2004, India became one of dozen countries which were hit by gigantic Tsunami wave. marine disaster t only left hundreds of people de and missing but also whiplashed country’s ecomy by annihilating properties and residences across multiple regions located along rim of Indian ocean. 17 years on, country has t only fastened its response and prediction, bolstered its drills but is also better prepared to rescue and safeguard lives. 

What happened in 2004?

At 7:59 am local time on December 26, an undersea earthquake of 9.1 magnitudes struck off coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra. quake triggered a Tsunami-a series of strong ocean waves-which n started traversing through Indian Ocean. Over next seven hours, it wreaked havoc across a dozen countries and reached as far as East Africa. tably, India was t only country that witnessed major obliteration, several or countries located on rim of Indian Ocean encompassing Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives, Indonesia also suffered major losses. 

How much did Tsunami cost?

waves, which were reported to be as high as 30 feet as y hit coastline in certain regions, incurred massive dams- both monetarily and in terms of human lives. A report by Britannica stated that marine disaster killed nearly 230,000 people across 14 countries that it hit and left hundreds of people missing. In India, islands of Andaman and Nicobar were most affected region with Tamil Nu, Andhra Presh, and Kerala being greatly destructed.  marine disaster also caused an estimated loss of over US$19.9 million. 

How is India prepared?

In aftermath of disaster, scientists in India have me research-based modifications in ir response to Tsunami and similar disasters, making ir prediction more accurate and swift. In dendum, frequency of mock drills and training exercises at Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) located at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Sciences and elsewhere have also seen a dramatic increase.

Speaking exclusively to Republic Media Network, SI Aanand Chhetri from Andhra Presh State Disaster Manment Authority (APSDMA) said that combat and rescue forces get everyday updates from IMD and have a Whatsapp Group where y are continuously updated about any possible disaster- both man-me and natural. 

"In case of any disaster, out priority is to rescue people, n comes clearing blocked ros and aid trapped residents. Over years, our training and subsequently response to disasters has bettered manifold," he said.

"Every state has Emergency Operation Centres (EOC) which provides immediate help to residents in case of any disasters. se centres conduct regular mock drills to enhance coordination and response. In dendum to natural disasters, training to counter man-me disasters have also increased. For instance, we are efficiently trained on which parts to cut and enter a collapsed building or a collided train. re are specialised vanced courses as well," SI Chattri ded. 

(Im: AP)