The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Killer tsunami

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 28, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Killer tsunami

Sir, — This refers to the editorial, "Death from the sea" (Dec. 27). The killer tsunami triggered by the massive undersea earthquake in Indonesia on Sunday is undoubtedly one of the largest tragedies to hit the Indian coast in recent times.

It is disappointing that despite the scientific advancement made by our country, our geologists and met officials did not have even a remote clue to the disaster-in-waiting.

B.V. Kumar,
Nellore, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — True, such disasters strike unexpectedly but some warning of the possible after-effects (including the tsunami) could have helped people face the disaster better.

R. Anitha,
Mumbai

* * *

Sir, — The quake struck Sumatra at 6.30 a.m. The effect of the seismic waves was felt along the east coast of Tamil Nadu after two hours.

Why were the golden hours not utilised to warn the people in the coastal areas?

What is the point in spending so much on remote sensing, satellites, meteorological observatory, etc?

T.S. Kandaswami,
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — When an unprecedented high magnitude quake of 8.9 on the Richter scale struck Sumatra, was it difficult to issue a warning along the coast concerned? A tsunami might have been difficult to predict but the probability of dangerous high tides need not have been ignored. With the wealth of technical and scientific manpower resource India boasts of, it is tragic that the masses have to suffer such tragedies.

G. Ramachandran,
Kuzhithurai, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — The Government should consider constituting a disaster warning cell. It should spend more on research and development.

C. Sathish,
Burwood, Sydney

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

A TIDE OF E-WASTE

A SHAKY START

Alliance arithmetic holds the key

Armenia's isolation grows deeper

Zahira Sheikh's ouster