Natural disasters disproportionately affect populations and regions: A disaster analysis of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

Abstract

This paper is a comprehensive review of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that took place in Sumatra, Indonesia. The causes, as well as the direct and indirect impacts of this natural disaster are explored to understand the tsunami’s true damage and magnitude. A disaster risk analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the relationship between various interacting factors: the hazard, peoples’ exposure to the hazard, and their vulnerability to the hazard. This analysis is key in interpreting the risk of the hazard and determining its deadliness. Solutions and efforts to improve safety and resilience after the disaster are analyzed through several hazard paradigm lenses. The paradigms provide a well-rounded overview of the multifaceted nature of a hazard to better understand, plan, and mitigate associated risks. An overview of geographic areas and populations most at risk, as well as prospective solutions are described. Finally, this paper briefly discusses the growing impact of climate change on the frequency, risk, and magnitude of future extreme weather events.