Support to Civil Authority in Seismic Disasters: Regional Initiatives. U.S. Pacific Command Southeast Asia Seismic Disaster Preparedness Conference. Center for Strategic Leadership Issue Paper, Volume 02-06, February 2006
Abstract
This paper summarizes the results of the "Southeast Asia Seismic Disaster Preparedness Conference", which was held in Honolulu, Hawaii, on 26-28 September 2005. Circling the Pacific Basin, on the bottom of the sea bed, lie a dramatic series of volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches. The zone -- the 'Ring of Fire' -- notorious for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions coincides with the edges of one of the world's main tectonic plates" (BBC News - January 29, 1999). The "Ring of Fire" includes over 75% of the world's active and dormant volcanoes, and along their fence line are a series of dynamic tectonic plates that produce frequent, and sometimes violent, seismic events. This delicate relationship between man and nature was brought home to Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004 when a 9.0 earthquake off the coast of Sumatra produced a Tsunami that devastated the region. Following the December 2004 tsunami, the establishment of effective disaster preparedness planning capabilities at the national and regional levels became a goal of the governments in the region. In addition to being a sound political initiative, such preparedness planning speeds the national and regional reaction time, and assists international organizations and other countries in identifying appropriate response support. Knowing who to call in a crisis is a key piece of information. The Southeast Asia Seismic Disaster Preparedness Conference allowed the region's key disaster preparedness planners to meet face-to-face and laid the foundations for the friendship and trust necessary in the development of working relationships. Seismic events will continue to occur and impact lives within the "Ring of Fire," however, there is awareness among the Southeast Asian nations that there are actions within their reach that can mitigate the effects of the next major seismic event.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA444924
Entities
People
- Art Bradshaw
- B. F. Griffard
- Kent H. Butts
Organizations
- United States Army War College