Data has shown that society was previously inclined to underestimate tsunamis and their power. Advancements in tsunami studies have made it possible for the masses to become better acquainted with the concept and with the fact that it can practically happen more frequent than they thought. In addition to that, it appears that no coast lines are protected from tsunamis, as they can be affected more or less, mainly depending on their location and on the intensity of the tsunami (Gonzalez).
Tsunamis occur less frequently than other natural events, but this does not mean that they are to be ignored by the authorities in charge of such disasters. "Regardless of their origin, tsunamis evolve through three overlapping but quite distinct physical processes: generation by any force that disturbs the water column, propagation from deeper water near the source to shallow coastal areas and, finally, inundation of dry land" (Gonzalez).
The natural phenomena are known to affect large areas of land, with some of them causing damage more than two hundred kilometers away from their source. Even with that, tsunamis can also affect individuals that apparently have nothing to do with the area where they struck. They can affect the whole country where they occurred in particular, and even other countries, depending on their relationship with the area involved (Rigg, Law, Tan-Mullins & Grundy-Warr, 2005).
Gonzalez focuses on the Japanese in attempt to raise people awareness regarding quick tsunami response. Because it is positioned near four tectonic plates, Japan is especially at risk of being struck by a tsunami. Thus, the Japanese have rapid response teams that coordinate rescue missions meant to result in as little casualties as possible. Although two hundred victims can represent a high number of casualties, it is actually insignificant when talking about a tsunami. Considering Japan's dense population, one can observe that the country's inhabitants have effective programs of dealing...
Compared with Indonesia, the rate of tsunami casualties in Japan is less than three times smaller (Gonzalez). This probably due to the fact that Japan's economy is more powerful and because the Japanese have more experience in dealing with tsunamis, given that the natural phenomenon occurs more frequently in the country of the rising sun.
Probably because the contemporary society has more improved means of communication or because the number of victims reached abnormal proportions, the tsunami that occurred in the Indian Ocean in 2004 has generated never before seen levels of generosity, as an international public united in fighting its aftermath. Tsunamis are known to affect countries long after they occur. Considering that coastal territories are frequented by tourists, individuals are reluctant to visit countries that have been struck by tsunamis. This critically affects the economies in these countries, as most had previously gained a lot of financial support from exploiting tourism (Korf, 2006).
All things considered, tsunamis are devastating displays of nature's force in front of which people are helpless. Gonzalez's report provides readers with an account directed at the masses, most probably with the motive of having the simple individual realize that some of the most dangerous natural phenomena are not necessarily those that occur on a daily basis.
Bibliography:
1. Escaleras, M.P. & Register, C.A. (2008). Mitigating Natural Disasters through Collective Action: The Effectiveness of Tsunami Early Warnings. Southern Economic Journal 74.4.
2. Gonzalez, Frank I. (1999). Tsunami. Scientific American 280 no5 56-65.
3. Korf, B. (2006). Commentary on the Special Section on the Indian Ocean Tsunami: Disasters, Generosity and the Other. The Geographical Journal 172.3.
4. Rigg, J. Law, L. Tan-Mullins, M. & Grundy-Warr, C. (2005). The Indian Ocean Tsunami: Socio-Economic Impacts…
