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Consequences of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in Malaysia.

Authors :
Ahmadun, Fakhru'l-Razi
Wong, Mohd Muhaimin Ridwan
Mat Said, Aini
Source :
Safety Science. Jan2020, Vol. 121, p619-631. 13p.
Publication Year :
2020

Abstract

• Impacts of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami to Malaysia were diverse and significant. • Majority of Malaysia's at-risk coastline are still highly vulnerable. • Tourism, fishing and aquaculture industries were heavily affected. • Impacts of the tsunami towards local ecosystem need better understanding. • Research on tsunami have gained interest in Malaysia. Situated in the middle of the Sunda Plate and close to the Ring of Fire, Malaysia is surrounded by seismically active zones that pose risks of natural hazards, among which is tsunami. The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami caused by a magnitude 9.3 earthquake off Sumatran coastline was the first tsunami to have reached Malaysia in the country's own recorded history, though there are brief records of other tsunami reaching Malaysian coastline in the past. This paper reviewed relevant literature sources to highlight the intensity and diversity of damages caused by the tsunami towards Malaysia. These damages ranged from loss of lives, physical damage to structures and infrastructures, environmental changes, socioeconomic setbacks, and health issues among the victims. Subsequent measures taken by the Malaysian government and agencies in managing disaster risk in the country are also reviewed. These measures include the identification of tsunami hazard zones, development of tsunami emergency response plans, and the formation of the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). In addition, the shift in disaster management approaches from being heavily top-down towards community-based was examined. Understanding of the wide spectrum of impacts caused by the tsunami disaster, the contributing factors as well as mitigation efforts reviewed in this paper can be particularly useful in making informed decisions regarding future risk reduction strategies in the context of a developing country like Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09257535
Volume :
121
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Safety Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
139296286
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2019.05.016