TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the societal impacts and consequences of the December 26, 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.Design/methodology/approach– One month after the tsunami, a group of social science researchers from the Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware, and the Emergency Administration and Planning Program, University of North Texas, participated in an Earthquake Engineering Research Institute reconnaissance team, which traveled to some of the most affected areas in India and Sri Lanka. Data were obtained through informal interviews, participant observation, and systematic document gathering.Findings– This research yielded important data and information on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. A number of issues are identified that emerged from the field observations, including: tsunami education and awareness; the devastation and the loss; economic impact; mental health issues; irregularities and inequities in community based response and recovery efforts and in the distribution of disaster relief aid; gender and inequality; and relocation and housing issues.Practical implications– The paper highlights the role and importance of generating integrated early warning systems and strategies aimed at fostering sustainable recovery and building disaster resilient communities.Originality/value– An extensive amount of perishable data were collected thus providing a better understanding of the societal impacts of disasters on impoverished communities. A number of emerging issues are identified that should be of primary concern in efforts to protect populations residing in coastal regions throughout the world from similar catastrophes.
VL  - 15
IS  - 1
SN  - 0965-3562
DO  - 10.1108/09653560610654310
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/09653560610654310
AU  - Rodriguez Havidan
AU  - Wachtendorf Tricia
AU  - Kendra James
AU  - Trainor Joseph
ED  - Rajib Shaw
PY  - 2006
Y1  - 2006/01/01
TI  - A snapshot of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: societal impacts and consequences
T2  - Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 163
EP  - 177
Y2  - 2024/04/23
ER  -