I n t e r n a t i o n a l U n i o n o f G e o l o g i c a l S c i e n c e s
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IUGS Statement on Natural Hazards
A Resolution of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Whereas a magnitude 9 great earthquake that occurred on 26 December, 2004 off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered tsunamis that inundated the coastal zones of much of the Indian Ocean, causing tragic and historic loss of life and property, and
Whereas this major natural disaster heightens awareness of the existence of geological hazards worldwide,
THE IUGS RECOGNIZES:
That tsunami warning systems in the Pacific Ocean have proven to be effective over several decades, that no such comprehensive system exists for the Indian or Atlantic Oceans, that such systems employing traditional and new space-based technologies in these oceans could prevent loss of life if predictions were timely and warnings were heeded;
That tsunamis are triggered not only by earthquakes, but also by volcanic eruptions and landslides; and that these hazards, especially landslides, extend to all oceans and their margins;
That on-land landslides, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions constitute significant potential for natural disasters, and that terrestrial landslides are perhaps the most damaging of all; | |
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