3 Main Phases and Urgencies of Tsunami Government Response

A tsunami can cost a lot, including thousands of lives. It is extremely dangerous because the speed of the waves can destroy the whole coast. This is why the tsunami government response to the tsunami is crucial to avoid risks and reduce the level of damage when multiple waves strike the shoreline.

The government should work fast because delay will affect the lives of many. There are three main phases of government response when the sensors from the EWS detect a tsunami, which should be taken as soon as possible. Here are the detailed phases of response.

3 Main Phases of Tsunami Government Response

Preparedness

This phase is a preparation where the government should be concerned by making an early warning system, giving education to the public, and disaster management planning. The EWS is an installation with different sensors and devices to detect the scale of an upcoming tsunami in the region.

The government should be responsible for educating the public as well because it can reduce the damage and the risk they may face during a disaster emergency. There are many types of education, such as training programs, making evacuation routes, and preparing evacuation drills.

Another part of preparedness in tsunami government response is disaster management planning, where the scale should be local and national levels. The commands and frameworks of the plan should be clear so that people can understand, so the guidelines can be followed.

Immediate Response

While the disaster is striking, and right after that, an immediate response is the next government’s action. The alert from the early warning system should be issued as soon as possible through different platforms, such as radio or TV, public alarms, sirens, and cell broadcast.

After the warning message is issued, people who get the message should follow the guidelines. Some places are prepared for the shelter, such as schools and stadiums. People will get sheltered there with emergency food, water, and medical care.

Restoring the communication should be a priority in this phase because it helps people to stay connected with other areas, and they may get some help faster. Satellite phones, radio networks, and mobile base stations should be restored as soon as possible to update important information in the area.

Recovery

The main plan during the recovery phase is relief distribution. There are many things to share to the vulnerable communities, such as water, medicine, sanitation, and food. Those basic needs will reduce further risks. With those basic needs, psychosocial support is also given to minimize the trauma.

The tsunami government response also includes rebuilding infrastructure. Public facilities such as schools, hospitals, water systems, electric systems, and transportation routes are the priority to rebuild as soon as possible. It can help people improve their economic condition for recovery.

The government may need to revise its policy to improve the quality of response in the future. They should do some assessment during this phase to determine whether their plans work well or otherwise. A disaster management system should be the highest priority in a high-risk zone of a tsunami.

The Urgencies of Tsunami Government Response

Death Prevention

Response from the government is urgent because it can save more lives. Tsunamis can travel at high speed, and the low-height waves are still dangerous for the coast. Besides sweeping the buildings away, the speed of the wave can sweep people as well in a very short time.

Reducing fatalities

Some people may need faster medication because of the injury they are suffering. Tsunamis tend to bring debris and hurt many people. With faster response, fatalities can be reduced and prevent more deaths. The rescue team can access the area faster with better preparedness.

Reducing chaos

It is hard to avoid chaos when a tsunami is about to come, when people do not get enough education about it. Early education in the preparedness phase can reduce chaos. EWS can send legit information that people can believe is official information.

Maintaining stability

Stability means the government is ready to restore the collapsed infrastructure and communication networks. It ensures the recovery can go fast and smoothly. The more delays, stability is far to get, and an economic shock is inevitable, which causes more chaos.

Since the tsunami government response is very crucial, using a reliable device such as an SMS broadcaster to deliver a warning can avoid more delays. This device works efficiently to send messages in real-time, so people can take action immediately. Find out how it works here.