Steadfastly beware of disaster risks based on tsunami

 

PEOPLE around the world need to learn lessons taken from both sorrowful and joyful past events and apply those lessons to current circumstances. This is especially crucial for safeguarding the lives and property of the people globally.

On 26 December 2004, a catastrophic earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a devastating tsunami, claiming around 230,000 lives and affecting 14 countries. As an unforgettable event for the global people, such a disaster marked the first major global catastrophe of the 21st century and remains one of the deadliest occurrences in recent history.

The United Nations released a statement, saying that this year’s World Tsunami Awareness Day theme focuses on “youth and future generations”. The activities planned for the observance aim to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami by passing on its lessons to a new generation of children and youth. Hence, all adults worldwide need to seek the best ways to overcome the challenges of tsunamis so as to save the lives of youth and future generations.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction-UNDRR is urging countries at risk of tsunamis to update evacuation routes, install new warning systems, and raise awareness among children and youth. They also encourage young people and educational institutions to engage with the Stop Disasters online game to learn how to save lives during disasters.

Globally, over 700 million people in low-lying coastal areas and Small Island Developing States are at risk from extreme sea-level events, including tsunamis, according to the World Health Organization. An effective early warning system relies on public awareness of tsunami risks and knowledge of emergency procedures. Therefore, all global countries need to enhance tsunami risk awareness and implement resilient building policies to ensure the safety of the people.

As disasters cannot be anticipated for everyone, Myanmar must take appropriate measures to prepare for the challenges posed by tsunamis. Public awareness campaigns and effective strategies should be implemented to mitigate the impact of tsunamis, especially considering the risks associated with climate change throughout the year. By doing so, everybody can avoid the regrettable consequences of tsunami-related events. Search and rescue bodies must be ready at all times in order to conduct rescue, relief, and rehabilitation for victims of tsunamis. The government and people must facilitate all rescue bodies physically and mentally as part of acknowledging those bodies in their sacrifices. Actually, everybody needs to be aware of disaster risks based on tsunamis.

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