The Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004: observations in Sri Lanka and Thailand

Authors: Rossetto, T.¹; Peiris, N.; Pomonis, A.; Wilkinson, S.; Re, D.; Koo, R.; Gallocher, S.

Source: Natural Hazards, Volume 42, Number 1, July 2007 , pp. 105-124(20)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

On December 26, 2004 a great earthquake (M _W 9.3) occurred off the western coast of Sumatra triggering a series of tsunami waves that propagated across the Indian Ocean causing damage and life loss in 12 countries. This paper summarizes the observations of lifeline performance, building damage and its distribution, and the social and economic impact of the tsunami made by the Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) in Thailand and Sri Lanka. EEFIT operates under the umbrella of the UK's Institution of Structural Engineers. It is observed that good engineering practice can reduce economic losses, but additional measures are required to reduce risk to life.

Keywords: Indian Ocean tsunami; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Sumatra earthquake; Lifelines; Building damage

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1007/s11069-006-9064-3

Affiliations: 1: Email: t.rossetto@ucl.ac.uk

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