Powerful Earthquake off Papua New Guinea

A powerful earthquake rattled the South Pacific nation of Papua New Guinea on Monday, generating a small tsunami and frightening locals near the epicentre, but prompting no reports of damage or injuries.

Japan Mulls Massive, 250-Mile Sea Wall To Fend Of Tsunamis

Four years after a towering tsunami ravaged much of Japan’s northeastern coast, efforts to fend off future disasters are focusing on a nearly 400-kilometer chain of cement sea walls, at places nearly five stories high. Opponents of the $6.8 billion plan argue that the massive concrete barriers will damage marine ecology and actually do little to protect residents who are mostly supposed to relocate to higher ground.

Impact of Tsunami on the Columbia River

Engineers at Oregon State University have completed one of the most precise evaluations yet done about the impact of a major tsunami event on the Columbia River, what forces are most important in controlling water flow and what areas might be inundated.

Sri Lanka Still in Search of a Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan

Only those who have faced disasters head-on understand and appreciate the need to think and act at lightening-quick speeds. Cultivating awareness among the general public – is perhaps the single most important aspect of a comprehensive national plan, according to experts.

Ten Years After Indonesian Tsunami, Are Coasts Any Safer?

It is impossible to predict exactly when or where the next major tsunami will occur. Future tsunami disasters are inevitable, but with better technology, education and governance we can realistically hope that a loss of life on the scale of the 2004 tsunami disaster will not happen again.