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The Ionosphere, a crucial region of Earth's atmosphere extending from approximately 50 to 1000 km above the Earth's surface, plays a pivotal role in global communication, navigation, and satellite-based technologies. Among its various parameters, Total Electron Content (TEC) stands out as a key metric, representing the integrated electron density along a specific path through the ionosphere. This research focuses on analyzing TEC variations during Indonesian earthquakes between 2004 and 2024 using a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) model. The study investigates the ionospheric response to seismic activity, particularly in Indonesia, a region prone to earthquakes due to its location within the Pacific Ring of Fire and complex tectonic setting involving multiple lithospheric plates. The RNN model, designed to predict TEC variations during earthquakes, utilizes data on solar and geomagnetic activity, including the Kp index, solar wind, and geomagnetic storm activity, obtained from the OMNIWEB data centre, along with TEC data from the IONOLAB data servers for the BAKO station in Cibinong, Indonesia. The earthquakes considered for observation include significant events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the 2012 Wharton Basin earthquake, and subsequent seismic events up to 2024. Statistical metrics such as Mean Bias Deviation (MBD), Relative Error (REL_E), Absolute Error (ABS_E), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) are used to evaluate the predictive capability of the RNN model and compare it with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) 2020 model, a widely accepted empirical model for describing ionospheric parameters. The comparison reveals the performance of the RNN model in capturing TEC variations during seismic events, providing valuable insights for earthquake monitoring and early warning systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogging is an important natural disaster that affects agricultural production, and the planning of farmland drainage facilities is crucial for disaster reduction. This research proposes an engineering layout method of integrated gate station external discharge control technology for the current situation of drainage engineering in agricultural waterlogging in China. This technology integrates strong discharge pumps on self-discharge gates, forming an integrated engineering layout mode. In addition, an optimization control equation and solution method for drainage were established to minimize energy consumption and find the optimal flow distribution combination and startup combination strategy. Through practical application, this technology can effectively reduce the cost of drainage and provide a new solution for the construction of agricultural drainage projects in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of scaling earthquake magnitude and intensity for medical management of disasters from an emergency physician's perspective. It highlights the significance of understanding disaster severity levels and response scales, such as the Turkey Disaster Response Plan. The text also emphasizes the need for accurate disaster impact assessments and the development of a universal disaster severity classification scheme to improve resource allocation and response efforts. Additionally, it stresses the crucial role of emergency departments in mitigating the impacts of earthquakes and the importance of standardized disaster scales for effective emergency management. [Extracted from the article]

Recent catastrophic tsunamis, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean and 2011 Tohoku events, have underscored the need for resilient coastal infrastructure. Field investigations in the aftermath of these tsunamis have consistently identified local scour around structures as a critical factor contributing to their failure. Local scour refers to the erosion or removal of sediment in the vicinity of a structure, triggered by the unsteady water flow associated with tsunami inundation. The recognition of the significance of this phenomenon, juxtaposed with the current deficiency of detailed and systematic design guidelines that incorporate the ramification of local scour, has spurred advancements in this area of research. This study has meticulously reviewed state-of-the-art studies on tsunami-induced local scour around structures. The existing design guidelines have been critically assessed, pinpointing their limitations and areas that require further elucidation. Moreover, this critical analysis delineates the current knowledge gaps and outlines prospective directions for future research endeavors aimed at enhancing the resilience of coastal infrastructure, with a particular focus on mitigating the effects of local scour. This comprehensive review aims to deepen the understanding of tsunami-induced local scour and promote more effective, evidence-based design strategies to mitigate the risk of structural failure in high-risk coastal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsunamis are rare events involving several complex physical phenomena. Due to this complexity and the relative scarcity of observations, tsunami research makes extensive use of numerical simulations. For seismogenic tsunamis, the source is often modeled as an instantaneous sea‐floor displacement (IS), while the tsunami propagation and inundation is computed through a shallow water approximation (SW). Here, we investigate what is the best tsunami inundation modeling strategy for different realistic earthquake source size and duration. We use 1D earthquake‐tsunami coupled simulations of large M > 8 earthquakes in Tohoku‐like subduction zone to test for which conditions the IS and/or the SW approximations can simulate with enough accuracy the tsunami evolution. We use as a reference a time‐dependent (TD), multi‐layer, non‐hydrostatic (NH) 1D model. Source duration, and size, are based on 1D dynamic rupture simulations with realistic stress drop and rigidity. We show that slow ruptures, generating slip in the shallow part of subduction zones (e.g., tsunami earthquakes), and very large events, with an along‐dip extent comparable with the trench‐coast distance (as occurs for megathrust events) require a TD‐NH modeling, especially for regions with steep coastal bathymetry. Conversely, deeper, higher stress‐drop events can be modeled through an IS‐SW approximation. We finally show that: (a) steeper bathymetries generate larger runups and, (b) a resonant mechanism emerges with runup amplifications associated with larger source size on flatter bathymetries. These results, obtained with 1D modeling, can serve as a guide for the appropriate 2/3D simulation approach for applications ranging from fundamental tsunami science to computational‐intensive hazard assessments. Plain Language Summary: In the last two decades, tsunamis originated by large earthquakes have generated major damage and, according to the World Health Organization, more than 250 k casualties (more than 200 k due to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami). Strategies to quantify and mitigate the associated risk are based on numerical simulations of the physical processes regulating the generation, propagation of the waves and subsequent flooding on the coast. These simulations require significant computational resources. To make simulations more affordable, numerous approximations are introduced that need to be tested. In this work, we studied which earthquakes, depending on the speed at which they deform the sea bottom when they trigger a tsunami, and on how big they are, require a more detailed modeling approach, and which ones, instead, might be accurately simulated through approximated approaches. We also show how such findings are related to different bathymetric characteristics near the coast and inland, which may enhance or reduce the tsunami effects. Key Points: Slow and large ruptures (e.g., tsunami earthquakes and megathrust) require a time‐dependent, non‐hydrostatic modelingDeeper, high stress‐drop earthquakes might be modeled through an instantaneous source, shallow water approximationInundation depends on bathymetric features: larger inundations on steeper depth gradients and resonant runup amplifications are observed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A tsunami is a sequence of powerful waves or surges primarily resulting from underwater earthquakes. Creating tsunami vulnerability maps is of utmost importance to develop effective strategies for mitigating potential damage caused by future tsunamis. This article focuses on areas (Indian subcontinent) severely affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Utilizing geographic information system (GIS)-based tools, the authors employed geospatial cell-based modeling and used a multicriteria decision-making tool, an analytical hierarchy process (AHP), to develop the final inundation map. Using the digital elevation model and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) land-cover data, the authors created the elevation, slope, coastal proximity, flow accumulation, and land-use land-cover (parameters) map. Areas with a higher risk of tsunami impact are predominantly situated along the coastline with a descending terrain. The presence of waterways and lower elevations intensifies the impact of tsunamis. Regions classified under very high or high vulnerability are more likely to be inundated by the tsunami. The final vulnerability map of Nagapattinam shows that 166.455 km2 of the region is highly vulnerable to a tsunami. Similarly, Kanyakumari, Cuddalore, Karaikal, and Chennai show 37.6516 km2 , 245.641 km2 , 35.7128 km2 , and 35.6306 km2 , respectively, under very high vulnerability. The findings of this study serve as fundamental information for disaster mitigation and urban planning in coastal regions. The research introduces a novel approach to assess areas susceptible to tsunami inundation, utilizing a vulnerability map generated through remote sensing and spatial multicriteria analysis. Furthermore, the parameters employed closely resemble those used in actual inundation mapping, adding to the practicality and reliability of the results. Village maps of the selected area are superimposed on the final vulnerability map to understand the villages vulnerable to tsunamis better. The final vulnerability maps can be used for strategic mitigation during an actual event and to be prepared for future disasters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-wildlife conflict is among the major constraint for wildlife management. It often can result in biodiversity decline and jeopardize the delicate balance of ecosystems. The human-saltwater crocodile conflict (hereafter referred to as HCC) is a major wildlife management issue in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI). Analyzing the long-term trends is vital for better understanding and management of HCC. We used diverse approaches like interviews with local community and victims, HCC register maintained by the Department of Environment and Forest (DoEF), and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) to understand the patterns in the reported HCC events in ANI. During the past four decades (1983–2023), 36 fatal and non-fatal HCC were documented in the Andaman Islands. The HCC in ANI exhibited 75% increase after the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. A comparison of gender involved in HCC indicates that men are often (56%) become victim of HCC owing to their frequent involvement in outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, farming, cattle rearing, etc. The highest number (79%) of HCC and crocodile sightings were documented during the wet season (June-December). The majority of HCC (53%) were reported in the creeks. South Andaman accounts for the highest number of HCC (53%) compared to the rest of the Andaman Islands. High relative frequency of sightings of saltwater crocodile in the creeks of South Andaman like Manglutan nallah (21.47), Dhanikhari nallah (16.56), Collinpur nallah (14.72), and Guptapara nallah (11.04) were recorded between 2016 to 2023. The current scenario demands an urgent need for more fundamental research focusing on the changes in Saltwater crocodile habitats post 2004 tsunami, factors driving the HCC, and development and implementation of an updated management plan to ensure the co-existence of humans and crocodiles in the ANI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese humanitarian actors have worked frequently with the Chinese diaspora in disaster‐affected areas, but little, if any, research has been conducted into the important role of the diaspora in disaster response and humanitarian assistance. This paper investigates what local knowledge the Chinese diaspora has offered to humanitarian actors from the People's Republic of China (PRC), and how this has contributed to their effectiveness. Based on a case study of the semi‐autonomous Indonesian province of Aceh in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, this paper argues that the diaspora can serve as a linchpin in local and international humanitarian action. It can do so by strengthening networks and bringing together local ethnic communities, local governments, and the PRC's humanitarian actors, while also offering local knowledge in the form of contextual memory. Such local knowledge may have to be fully utilised to address any underlying ethnic tensions in disaster‐affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the evolving relationship between India and the United States and its impact on India's longstanding relationship with Russia. The improved ties between India and the US can be attributed to factors such as China's aggressive behavior, India's economic growth, and defense purchases from the US, as well as shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. While the US and India have signed agreements and collaborated in areas like defense and counterterrorism, challenges remain, including India's continued reliance on Russian weapons and differences in viewpoints. Despite the closer ties with the US, India maintains a non-aligned stance and continues to value its strong relationship with Russia, which serves as its primary arms supplier and provides support in international forums. The article highlights the historical ties between Russia and India and their collaborations in various fields, including space exploration, energy, defense, and trade. It also raises concerns about Russia's growing partnership with China and its potential impact on India. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of India and Russia strengthening their ties and exploring new areas of cooperation. [Extracted from the article]

Human safety is paramount in flood disasters. Current research indicates that the majority of fatalities in such disasters are due to people moving in water. Existing studies on human stability in floods have primarily focused on the static resistance of a standing posture against water flow, neglecting the realistic scenario where people need to move and attempt self-rescue in the aftermath of destabilization. This paper introduces an analysis of the stability during the self-rescue process following a fall in floodwaters, providing insights into the baseline risks of human impact in floods. The self-rescue process is defined as the recovery to a standing position after a fall, segmented into four postures: sitting, kneeling, squatting, and standing. Additionally, considering the significant variability of the current method ( D × v water depth multiplied by flow velocity) used to assess human stability in floods, this research thoroughly investigates previously undefined parameters, including submerged volume, frontal area, wet friction coefficient, and flow resistance coefficient. This leads to the development of a physically meaningful self-rescue risk assessment formula, which is validated against previous studies for accuracy, with the aim of contributing new insights to flood risk management and public education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maritime state, Kerala, is located along the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, which extends from Trivandrum district (8° 17´ 41.03´´ N, 77° 5´ 37.29´´ E) in the South to Kasaragod district (12° 45´ 20.76´´ N, 74° 51´ 58.92´´ E) in the North, exposed to the waves from the Arabian Sea. The shoreline is extremely dynamic due to the impact of waves, tides, currents, coastal orientation and other associated occasional coastal hazards. The annual climatic calendar for the Kerala coast can be broadly classified as South-West monsoon (June to September), North-East Monsoon (October to December), and Pre-monsoon or Non-Monsoon (January to May). Prior to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, a standardised seawall section had been preferred for highly eroding coastal stretches. The coastal hazards in addition to the tsunami impact paved the way for considering several other structures for coastal protection, of which groyne fields have been predominantly implemented. As it is essential to quantify the performance assessment of these protection measures, an exercise using the DSAS (Digital Shoreline Analysis System) tool was carried out, the results of which are presented and discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy rainfall due to tropical cyclones (TCs) in the North Indian Ocean (NIO) adversely impacts nations frequently. Though extensive research has focused on TCs in the NIO, less attention has been given to the connection between TCs and extreme events in Sri Lanka. This study examined atmospheric characteristics during sixteen extreme events, focusing on linkages between TCs, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), and mechanisms behind heavy rainfall associated with TCs over Sri Lanka. The results showed that in the pre-monsoon period, TCs move northward with high water vapor (WV) content accumulated in the Southern Hemisphere. This main WV flow over the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) is connected with TCs, causing considerable damage in the southwestern part of Sri Lanka. During negative IOD years, strong westerly winds create cyclonic circulations on either side of the equator. Conversely, during the post-monsoon period, the IOD phase has no significant effect. TCs generally followed westward tracks, supported by winds from the Northern Hemisphere, and caused heavy rainfall in the Eastern, Northern, and Northcentral provinces in Sri Lanka. These TCs are isolated from the main WV flow over EIO. Such observed common characteristics during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are key factors contributing to extreme rainfall in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holocene Storegga tsunami, 8120–8175 cal a bp, resulted in run‐up heights of up to 3–6 m around mainland UK and coincided with a suggested large population decline in the coastally focused Mesolithic population in Northern Britain. At Howick, Northumberland, the site of a Mesolithic settlement, a nearby sediment deposit may be of tsunamigenic origin, but this is uncertain. Here, a numerical model was used to simulate the Storegga tsunami in Northumberland. Two scenarios of relative sea‐level change, and a third incorporating high tide, were simulated with mortality estimated within the intertidal zone for the Mesolithic sites in the region. The results showed that only with the addition of high tide could the sediment deposit site have been inundated by the tsunami. At Howick, mortality estimates varied but were up to 100% within the resource‐rich intertidal zone. The tsunami inundated a large area and would have led to the loss of key resources such as hazelnuts prior to the winter months. These combined effects would have probably been replicated throughout coastal settlements in Northern Britain, possibly leading to the contemporary population decline estimated to have occurred at this time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied spatial variation in seagrass communities in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago (ANI), India using latitude as a surrogate variable. We classified the ANI into five latitudinally distinct island groups: North & Middle Andaman, Ritchie's archipelago, South Andaman, Little Andaman, and the Nicobar archipelago. We evaluated the Importance Value Index (IVI) for species to determine the ecologically dominant seagrasses within each Island group. Later, we related our findings to investigate the three decadal pre- and post-tsunami status of seagrass habitats in the ANI which were severely impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. Six of the 11 observed species, such as Halophila ovalis, Halophila beccarii, Halophila minor, Halodule pinifolia, Thalassia hemprichii, and Cymodocea rotundata, dominated the seagrass population among all island groups. Seagrass composition significantly varied across the five investigated latitudinal gradients. Seagrass communities in 'Ritchie's Archipelago and Nicobar' and 'South Andaman and Little Andaman' revealed the highest and lowest variation. Further, Ritchie's Archipelago and Nicobar had the highest species richness (n = 10), followed by North & Middle Andaman (n = 8), and the lowest in South and Little Andaman (n = 6). Despite similar species richness and composition, Nicobar contributed to the highest seagrass coverage compared to the lowest recorded in the Ritchie's Archipelago. Our observations on the re-colonization of disturbed areas by early successional and historical species suggest recovery of the seagrass population in the ANI post-disturbance. Lastly, co-variates associated with latitude as a surrogate warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teleconnection between the Asian monsoon system and North Atlantic forcing is an enduring prospect of the Earth's climate. During the Holocene interstadial, the Indian summer monsoon showed asynchronous weakening links to ice rafting events documented in the North Atlantic region. However, the sensitivity of the Indian Winter Monsoon in response to North Atlantic cold spells is unclear due to a lack of compelling evidence. This study aims to extract the deglacial Indian Winter Monsoon signals using lithogenic tracers in coastal sediments and explore its association with the North Atlantic cooling episodes. A 5.1 m sediment core was retrieved from Pottuvil Lagoon in the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, and the concentrations of K, Rb, Mg, Al, and Ti in 101 sub-sections were analysed using ICP-MS. The core- chronology was established by Bacon 2.2 age-depth modelling based on calibrated AMS 14C dates. The monsoon signal was reconstructed using element proxies and compared with the drift ice indices from the North Atlantic deep-sea sediments. Results revealed distinct phases of intense monsoon activity at 2553–2984 years BP, 3899–5021 years BP, and 5244–5507 years BP intervals with intermittent weak phases during 2253–2553, 2984–3899, and 5021–5244 years BP. The episodes of the intensified Indian Winter Monsoon coincided with Bond Events 2, 3, and 4, showing a strong coherence with the North Atlantic's deglacial climate. Thus, on a millennial scale, North-Atlantic cooling has triggered intense winter monsoon conditions over the tropical Indian Ocean region from the mid to late Holocene. In comparison with regional monsoon archives, the Pottuvil winter monsoon record exhibits an anti-phase association with the Indian Summer Monsoon during Holocene ice-rafted debris events. The geochemical approach executed in this study could provide new insight into the millennial-scale pacing of the winter counterpart of the Indian monsoon links to climate extremes of high northern latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of rubble-mound (RM) breakwaters along coasts across the world highlights the importance of understanding their behavior during natural disasters such as tsunamis. The failure of these breakwaters during tsunamis can have far-reaching consequences, potentially causing damage to coastal infrastructure and loss of life. Many breakwaters failed during past tsunamis. Despite this, studies on the behavior of RM breakwaters during tsunamis are minimal. The present study thus attempts to elucidate the behavior of RM breakwater subjected to a tsunami. Furthermore, efforts were made to develop effective countermeasures that can safeguard the breakwater against tsunamis. To the end, a novel technique of using geogrids for reinforcing the RM is proposed. This study could be a pioneering application of geogrids as reinforcing elements in RM breakwaters to mitigate damages from tsunamis. Geogrid layers are provided on both the seaside and harborside to mitigate tsunami-induced damage to the breakwater. In addition, a crown wall (with shear keys) is also introduced to prevent the scouring of the crest and sheet piles from preventing excess seepage through the seabed. Physical model tests, analytical studies and numerical simulations were carried out to assess the performance of the proposed countermeasures by comparing it with the behavior of conventional RM breakwater during the tsunami. The tsunamis can overflow the breakwater, potentially exceeding its design limits. Hence, provision was made in the study for overflow, where the breakwater may overflow by the tsunami. It was observed that excess seepage through the body of the breakwater and the scouring of the crest were significant factors that led to the failure of RM breakwaters under tsunami overflow. A novel reinforced model was proposed to address these issues. This model effectively withstood tsunami-induced damages without significant deformations, demonstrating its potential as a reliable solution. In the past, tsunamis have caused significant damage to several rubble-mound breakwaters, leading to devastating impacts on coastal communities. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the 2011 Great East Japan tsunami are two well-known examples of the destructive power of tsunamis. A significant number of breakwaters across the globe are of the rubble-mound type, and finding a practical solution to make them resilient against tsunamis could protect many coasts against future tsunamis. This study proposes novel reinforcing techniques to make the rubble-mound breakwater tsunami-resilient. These techniques include adding geogrid layers on either side, providing a crown wall (with shear key) at the top, and inserting two sheet piles into the seabed at either end of the rubble-mound breakwater. Perhaps, this is the first-time geogrids were used on rubble-mound breakwaters to mitigate tsunami-induced damages. The reinforcing elements were chosen for their practicality in the real world. These elements can be practically applied to make existing and future breakwaters tsunami resilient. The study found that the proposed reinforced model, particularly Reinforced model III, remained intact without significant deformation even under a 15-m high tsunami. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the concept of resilience and its application in the law of torts. It suggests that individuals who have experienced harm should strive to make themselves better off than before the harm occurred. The author argues that this ideal of resilience can be incorporated into tort law's remedial practices, such as compensatory and punitive damages. The article emphasizes the importance of resilience in responding to setbacks and wrongdoing, highlighting the experiences of individuals who have shown resilience in the face of tragedy and loss. It also discusses the differences between tort law and the ideal of resilience, as well as the implications of reconceiving compensatory damages in terms of resilience. The author proposes that the resilience-based ideal can provide a more responsive and fair approach to compensatory damages, particularly in cases involving irreparable harm. [Extracted from the article]

In order to evaluate the impact of a policy intervention on a group of units over time, it is important to correctly estimate the average treatment effect (ATE) measure. Due to lack of robustness of the existing procedures of estimating ATE from panel data, in this paper, we introduce a robust estimator of the ATE and the subsequent inference procedures using the popular approach of minimum density power divergence inference. Asymptotic properties of the proposed ATE estimator are derived and used to construct robust test statistics for testing parametric hypotheses related to the ATE. Besides asymptotic analyses of efficiency and power, extensive simulation studies are conducted to study the finite-sample performances of our proposed estimation and testing procedures under both pure and contaminated data. The robustness of the ATE estimator is further investigated theoretically through the influence function analyses. Finally our proposal is applied to study the long-term economic effects of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami on the (per-capita) gross domestic products (GDP) of five mostly affected countries, namely Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India and Maldives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate whether risk preferences are affected by traumatic events by using a unique survey of Sri Lankan twins which contains information on individual’s exposure to the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, validated measures of mental health and risk preferences, and a rich set of control variables. Our estimation strategy utilizes variation in experiences within twin pairs and allows us to explore wealth shocks and/or changes in mental health as mechanisms. We find that exposure to the tsunami lead to less risk aversion, a result that is not explained by mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges faced by governments in Southeast Asia in recovering from disasters and the initiative of the 'Build Back Better' (BBB) framework to address these challenges. It highlights the importance of integrating disaster risk reduction measures into various aspects of recovery and reconstruction to create safer and more resilient communities. The article also provides an overview of a book titled "Post-Disaster Governance in Southeast Asia: Response, Recovery, and Resilient Societies," which explores the disaster management practices and experiences of ASEAN countries. The book covers topics such as national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, institutional arrangements for disaster management, the role of culture in disaster resilience, and the use of village funds for disaster risk financing. It concludes by emphasizing the need for collaboration and innovation in disaster management to improve response and recovery in the ASEAN region. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the historical and evolving relationship between Japan and Southeast Asia since the end of the Cold War. It discusses Japan's economic investments, infrastructure development, and cultural exchanges in the region. The article also addresses recent transformations in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China's increasing influence and strategic alliances formed by Southeast Asian countries. It concludes by examining the impact of Southeast Asian migrants in Japan and the potential for socio-economic and cultural transformations. The article provides insights into the complex network of relations between Japan and Southeast Asia and highlights Japan's efforts to promote regional institutions and benefit from Southeast Asia's dynamism and resources. [Extracted from the article]

After Ulfa's passing, Amira said she (Amira) had felt death was coming, because during those last days Ulfa had kept holding on to her firmly. Before Ulfa's death, Amira never talked about the possibility of dying. I asked again what she might have meant, and Amira sighed, "She had seen Ulfa before, so perhaps she thought [Zarah] would not have a long life anymore." Still, Ulfa passed away 10 days later, sitting on a motorcycle in between Amira and Amira's sister on their way back from a trip to one such healer. [Extracted from the article]

Shallow water models are successfully used for simulating geophysical flows like river floods, tsunamis, sediment transport, or debris flows. Depth-averaged models are in general attractive due to their low computational cost. However, information on the vertical velocity is required a priori, typically by assuming a parametrized profile using a time-independent function, e.g., a constant. A systematic generalization of depth-averaged flow models is given by the shallow moment method. This method retains transient information about the vertical flow profile by using a finite Legendre expansion for said profile with time and space-dependent coefficients. The shallow moment approach allows to include vertical information and generates a hierarchy of equations that in the limit, recover the reference system before depth-averaging. Even a low number of basis functions significantly increases the model's capability to resolve vertical information and, whenever this is relevant for the modeling task at stake, significantly improves the predictive power compared to classical shallow water systems. In the paper, we show a two-dimensional simulation result based on the shallow moment system to predict processes unobservable in classical shallow flow, namely secondary flow and the redistribution of velocity profiles, which are of relevance in curved channelized flow as experimentally demonstrated by Steffler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of a disaster, the price of essential goods and services, including reconstruction materials and labor, sharply increases. Price gouging refers to sellers and supply companies charging exorbitant prices for necessary items to take advantage of spikes in demand. Thirty-seven states out of fifty in the US have legislation regulating price gouging, regarded as an unfair or deceptive trade practice during a disaster or emergency. Consumers, academics, and practitioners have mixed opinions about the effectiveness of this anti-price gouging law. Most existing studies focus on the impact of general price control qualitatively and theoretically. This study aims to empirically examine the effect of the anti-price gouging law on the speed of reconstruction in Virginia and Maryland in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The difference-in-differences approach was used to estimate the effect of the anti-price gouging law (treatment) on postdisaster reconstruction speed. This approach allows us to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated group by comparing the pre-to-post changes in the average number of monthly building permits in counties in Virginia (treatment group) with those of counties in Maryland (control group), while at the same time controlling for time-invariant county-specific heterogeneity and some other factors that may affect the monthly building permits for both groups in the absence of treatment. The findings show that the anti-price gouging law decreased the speed of postdisaster reconstruction by 18 units of monthly building permits (additional units in the treatment group due to treatment), indicating that the number of new housing units authorized by monthly building permits in Virginia is 18 units less than that of Maryland. The findings of this research are expected to assist policymakers and decision-makers in understanding the effect of the anti-price gouging law on reconstruction speed and enhancing their postdisaster reconstruction strategies and policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant research on the effects of stress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, questions remain regarding long-term impacts of large-scale stressors. Leveraging data on exposure to an unanticipated major natural disaster, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, we provide causal evidence of its imprint on hair cortisol levels fourteen years later. Data are drawn from the Study of the Tsunami Aftermath and Recovery, a population-representative longitudinal study of tsunami survivors who were living along the coast of Aceh, Indonesia, when the tsunami hit. Annual rounds of data, collected before, the year after and 2 y after the disaster provide detailed information about tsunami exposures and self-reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Hair samples collected 14 y after the tsunami from a sample of adult participants provide measures of cortisol levels, integrated over several months. Hair cortisol concentrations are substantially and significantly lower among females who were living, at the time of the tsunami, in communities directly damaged by the tsunami, in comparison with similar females living in other, nearby communities. Differences among males are small and not significant. Cortisol concentrations are lowest among those females living in damaged communities who reported elevated post-traumatic stress symptoms persistently for two years after the tsunami, indicating that the negative effects of exposure were largest for them. Low cortisol is also associated with contemporaneous reports of poor self-rated general and psychosocial health. Taken together, the evidence points to dysregulation in the HPA axis and "burnout" among these females fourteen years after exposure to the disaster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies have shown that rapid sea surface temperature (SST) warming in the tropical Indian Ocean (IO) significantly modulates the summer monsoon rainfall (SMR) over India. However, it remains unclear how the IO SST warming affects the SMR in Sri Lanka (SL). Therefore, based on observations and reanalysis data, this study investigates the impact of IO warming on SMR variability in the wet‐zone of SL during 2001–2020. The results revealed that the SMR (May–September) in SL's wet zone is increasing and is associated with rapid SST warming in the Arabian Sea during the summer monsoon. Although it is reported that the SMR may decrease over India due to the weakening of land‐sea thermal gradient in summer associated with IO warming, the rapid warming of the AS appears to enhance the SMR in the wet zone of SL. The warming of the AS during summer strengthened the low‐level easterlies, favouring moisture convergence and convection over SL, which enhanced the SMR of the wet zone of SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reflects on the progress of tsunami preparedness in a coastal community in Aceh, Indonesia, nearly two decades after the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The research employs a comprehensive approach to thoroughly evaluate and comprehend the community's preparedness, its correlation with local perceptions of tsunami risk, and delves into the prevalence of tsunamis in the area, with a specific emphasis on the significant impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on the coastal community of Aceh. To investigate the community's readiness and the potential impacts of tsunamis at the study site, tsunami simulations were performed using the shallow water equation within the COMCOT (Cornell Multi-grid Coupled Tsunami) model. These simulations assessed run-up and inundation scenarios, thereby providing justification for the potential tsunami impact in the area. Modelling the scenario of tsunami in the region is important to measure the potential impact and estimation time for community to prepare the evacuation plan. In addition to the numerical modeling, a mixed-method approach was employed, involving the distribution of questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews with 150 respondents directly on-site. These assessments yielded valuable insights into community perspectives on tsunami risk and their preparedness measures. The findings contribute to the development of effective strategies for disaster management by integrating local knowledge, experiences, and socialization programs. The study emphasizes the significance of ongoing endeavors to enhance community preparedness and mitigate the consequences of tsunamis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large‐scale disasters are frequently portrayed as temporally bounded, linear events after which survivors are encouraged to 'move on' as quickly as possible. In this paper, we explore how understandings of disaster mobilities and temporalities challenge such perspectives. Drawing on empirical research undertaken on Dhuvaafaru in the Maldives, a small island uninhabited until 2009 when it was populated by people displaced by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, we examine what such understandings mean in the context of sudden population displacement followed by prolonged resettlement. The study reveals the diversity of disaster mobilities, how these reflect varied and complex temporalities of past, present, and future, and how processes of disaster recovery are temporally extended, uncertain, and often linger. In addition, the paper shows how attending to these dynamics contributes to understandings of how post‐disaster settlement brings stability for some people while producing ongoing feelings of loss, longing, and unsettlement in others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the film "Take Shelter" and its connection to climate anxiety. It discusses how the film combines elements of horror and ecological awareness to draw attention to the impact of human activity on the environment. Topics include the film's use of horror aesthetics to create an eerie atmosphere and its ability to make viewers notice the connection between everyday life and environmental realities.

Recent studies have pointed out an increased warming over the tropical Indian Ocean (IO) and how such warming could alter the convection and rainfall in the region. In this study, using observational/reanalysis datasets from 1981 to 2020, we show that the early Maha rainfall of Sri Lanka (SL) has been increasing, and it is considerably influenced by the North‐western IO sea surface temperature (SST) increase in the second inter‐monsoon (SIM). A significant warming in the North‐western IO alters the zonal SST gradient and strengthens the low‐level circulation, which induces large‐scale convergence over the western IO during SIM, contributing to the enhancement of rainfall over SL. However, despite the substantial impact of IO warming, the moderate correlation suggests the importance of examining other factors, which may influence the rainfall variability of SL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intertwined supply network (ISN) is an entirety of interconnected supply chains (SC) which, in their integrity secure the provision of society and markets with goods and services. The ISNs are open systems with structural dynamics since the firms may exhibit multiple behaviours by changing the buyer-supplier roles in interconnected or even competing SCs. From the positions of resilience, the ISNs as a whole provide services to society (e.g. food service, mobility service or communication service) which are required to ensure a long-term survival. The analysis of survivability at the level of ISN requires a consideration at a large scale as resilience of individual SCs. The recent example of coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak clearly shows the necessity of this new perspective. Our study introduces a new angle in SC resilience research when a resistance to extraordinary disruptions needs to be considered at the scale of viability. We elaborate on the integrity of the ISN and viability. The contribution of our position study lies in a conceptualisation of a novel decision-making environment of ISN viability. We illustrate the viability formation through a dynamic game-theoretic modelling of a biological system that resembles the ISN. We discuss some future research areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of ten tsunami events occurred in Aceh Province from 1991 to 2012. This condition confirms that Aceh Province is very vulnerable to tsunami hazards. In 2004, a tsunami occurred due to the activity of the subduction zone on the west coast of Aceh with a magnitude of Mw 9.3. Since the 2004 tsunami, research on tsunamis has increased. The aim of this study is to reconstruct the 2004 tsunami models, to find out which models are suitable for the events of 2004. There are at least five models of earthquake source faults used for tsunami modeling in this study. The tsunami modeling was carried out numerically using the Tohoku University's Numerical Analysis Model Investigation (TUNAMI) programme. The maximum height obtained from the modeling is 58,05 m at the shoreline. The maximum height obtained from the best model is 17,73 m on land. The M5 fault model produced a tsunami height model that best matches the observation results validated by lowest RMS and highest correlation coefficient values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused 230,000 fatalities and massive physical damage along the shorelines of the Indian Ocean. Holocene sedimentary archives along the coastline of Sri Lanka can provide evidence for similar past events. The objective of our current study is to investigate the sedimentological and geochemical characteristics of Sri Lankan paleo-tsunami deposits, and their chronology. Sediment samples were collected down to 10 m depth using core drilling at a sheltered site (low-lying swale depression) in Koddiyar Bay (Trincomalee) on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Visual stratigraphic observations and grain size analyses were carried out to identify lithological changes. Bulk sediments, shells, and wood fragments were used for 14C age dating. Seven sand layers were identified throughout the core in this marshy wetland. Sedimentological observations and geomorphological features show that sheltered/protected swales of the inner bay have a high potential for preservation of paleo-tsunami sediments. Three possible paleo-tsunami deposits were identified earlier than 700 years, ca. 2000 years, and ca. 2700 years. These paleo-tsunami sand layers exhibited relatively high total organic carbon (TOC) contents due to admixture of continental shelf and lagoon sediments. Analysis of paleo-tsunami records suggests that the Andaman Sea is vulnerable to both 'low-risk and high-frequency' and 'high-risk and low-frequency' type tsunamis, whereas other areas in the Indian Ocean are more prone to destructive and low-frequency type tsunamis. This study contributes to improving tsunami risk assessment and mitigation strategies along the east coast of Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the twenty-first century, wireless communication tools have become indispensable in our daily lives, particularly during a pandemic, playing a crucial role. However, it is important to recognize that prolonged and excessive exposure to radiofrequency (RF) waves, which serve as carriers for these wireless communication systems, can have detrimental health effects. The aim of this study is to assess the spatial distribution and compare the levels of RF radiation emitted by the GSM900, GSM1800, UMTS, LTE2.6, and WLan2.4 frequency bands in the cities of Colombo and Kandy in Sri Lanka. The plane wave power density values for each frequency band were measured at designated survey locations using a SPECTRAN HF6065 spectrum analyzer with an HL7060 directional antenna. A total of 31 survey points were selected in Kandy City, while Colombo City had 67 survey points covering various public locations. The findings reveal that Colombo City exhibits a higher concentration of scattered hotspots in the LTE2.6 frequency band, whereas Kandy City demonstrates a higher concentration in the GSM900 frequency band. Furthermore, comparing the average results, the RF radiation pollution in Colombo City is more than 50% higher than that in Kandy City. The measured maximum RF level was detected in Colombo City in the frequency band GSM1800, and it is only 0.11% of the maximum permitted level as established by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses that the Vegetation, contrary to popular belief, accelerates coastal dune erosion during extreme storms. While it initially acts as a barrier, it disrupts erosion patterns, increases water penetration, and reflects wave energy, leading to faster scarp formation. This challenges our understanding of natural features' protective role during extreme events.

Air pollution is a significant issue that affects almost all the countries in the world while predominating in South Asian Regional countries due to poverty, less attention, and less awareness towards the implementation and obeying of air quality guidelines in public. As a developing country, Sri Lanka stands at an optimum state of national air quality compared to other SARC because it is an island with a minor population compared to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc. Maldives and Bhutan lie straightforwardly in owing mild air quality in SARC. However, SARC is far behind the world in maintaining optimistic air quality nationwide. Ambient air pollution-attributable deaths have become interim in past decades, a severe burden to the sustainable existence of SARC. A well-established systematic epidemiological, empirical studies and revisions regarding air pollution, strategic planning for mitigating air pollution, and frequent Spatio-temporal pollution monitoring nodes are necessary for Sri Lanka to achieve the sustainable goal. Other South Asian countries: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives, also should pay attention to minimizing outdoor air pollution nationwide for the betterment of future existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami significantly impacted the coastal shoreline of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure and ecological damage. This study aims to analyze the short- and long-term shoreline changes in South Andaman, focusing on 2004–2005 (pre- and post-tsunami) and 1990–2023 (to assess periodic changes). Using remote sensing techniques and geospatial tools such as the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), shoreline change rates were calculated in four zones, revealing the extent of the tsunami's impact. During the pre- and post-tsunami periods, the maximum coastal erosion rate was −410.55 m/year, while the maximum accretion was 359.07 m/year in zone A, the island's east side. For the 1990–2023 period, the most significant coastal shoreline erosion rate was also recorded in zone A, which was recorded at −2.3 m/year. After analyzing the result, it can be seen that the tsunami severely affected the island's east side. To validate the coastal shoreline measurements, the root mean square error (RMSE) of Landsat-7 and Google Earth was 18.53 m, enabling comparisons of the accuracy of different models on the same dataset. The results demonstrate the extensive impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami on South Andaman's coastal shoreline and the value of analyzing shoreline changes to understand the short- and long-term consequences of such events on coastal ecosystems. This information can inform conservation efforts, management strategies, and disaster response plans to mitigate future damage and allocate resources more efficiently. By better understanding the impact of tsunamis on coastal shorelines, emergency responders, government agencies, and conservationists can develop more effective strategies to protect these fragile ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal stress of oceans causes coral bleaching, which induces loss of life in coral reefs and makes them exposed to other threats which directly and indirectly affect millions of other species that inhabit the reef. However, studies focusing on how those thermal stresses affect Sri Lankan fringing reef ecosystems are scarce. Hence, the patterns of long-term and short-term fluctuations of sea surface temperature (SST) over the shallow reefs around the country were studied by separating them into different zones as the eastern coast (Passikudha, Kayankerni, Adukkuparu, Parrot Rock, and Pigeon Island), the southern coast (Beruwala Barbarian, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Ahangama, Mirissa, Madiha, Polhena, and Devundara), and northern-northwestern coasts (Valiththoondal, Palk Bay, Mannar, Kalpitiya, Thalwila, and Uswatakeiyawa). The 1 km Multiscale Ultrahigh Resolution (MUR) Level 4 SST dataset was used to analyze seasonal and interannual SST variability from 2005 to 2021. The data were correlated with the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Ekman velocity, and wind stress curl. The annual, seasonal, and monthly variability of SST on different coasts is significantly different. Higher increasing trends of SST from 0.0324 to 0.0411 ℃/year are observed on different coasts, and most of the time higher positive anomalies are recorded after 2014. The First Inter Monsoon (IM-1) and the month of April are more critical since they reach the maximum SST, and the minimum is in the North West Monsoon (NWM) and January. Significant positive relationships are recorded between the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) index and the monthly average SST on different coasts, which was robust on the southern coast. Therefore, tropical coral reefs in Sri Lanka are severely threatened due elevation of SST by global warming and climate variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated soil erosion and landslides are destructive consequences of road development and intensive agriculture in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Properly designed vegetation covers can play a vital role in erosion control. Identifying a plant that can adapt to eroded land with a low‐nutrient supply is critical for natural erosion management. A perennial creeper legume, Vigna marina, adaptable for marginal lands and used to control soil erosion in Australia, was introduced to Sri Lanka via the 2004 tsunami. The objective of this study was to assess V. marina under five different soil substrates, including a reference treatment (RT) recommended for optimal legume growth and subsoil (SS) and decomposing parent materials (DPM) without or with 20% Pinus wood biochar (SSb, DPMb). The growth parameters of V. marina were in the order RT > SSb = DPMb > SS = DPM. Following V. marina growth, nitrogen (N) content in DPM and DPMb increased from non‐detectable to 1.83 and 0.99 mg g−1, respectively. The SSb and SS recorded an increase in N by 1.38 and 0.77 mg g−1, respectively. The RT lost soil N by 3.31 mg g−1. Compared to the RT, root nodules were 3× in SSb and DPMb, 2× in SS, and >2× in DPM. Amending SS and DPM with biochar enhanced the growth of V. marina. The V. marina, in conjunction with biochar, can be an effective tool to provide vegetative cover to exposed soils and, thus, minimize soil erosion on road cuts and other land resources. Core Ideas: Vigna marina can potentially grow under extremely degraded soil conditions.Poor soil fertility favors the root nodulation and biological nitrogen fixation of V. marina.Biochar enhances legume growth, root nodulation, and biological N fixation in degraded soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]