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Monday, December 27, 2004

Sri Lanka Tsunami Warning Systems Failed in Spite of UNESCO halp

TamilNet: 27.12.04 A Nation Unprepared:

Sri Lanka's National Aquatic Resources Research & Development Agency (NARA) or the Meteorology Department do not have the resources to receive early warning information released by international organizations that monitor seismic activity and alert the population to impending tsunamic waves.

The International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC) established in 1965 by the IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) of UNESCO, monitors seismic activity. The ITIC also assists Member States in establishing national warning systems, and makes information available on current technologies for tsunami warning systems.

Sunday's oceanic earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra was detected and a news bulletin published within 15 minutes of the onset of the quake. The tital wave would have taken a little less than two hours to travel between Sumatra and Sri Lanka. Had systems been adequate, warning could have been given to the people to evacuate the beaches and lives saved.

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