We do need warning systems, because they will save some lives. And over time, as communications become more pervasive, the systems will get much better.
I get earthquake notices from USGS by email about 50 minutes after the quake. If a tsunami warning goes out at the same time, and is delivered to mobile phones in the impacted area, many people could be notified with time to spare.
If you can reduce that 50 minute lag, possibly by having analysts on the job full time to look at new data, then even areas close to the quake (Thailand in this example) could benefit.
But we need to think beyond Tsunamis in the Indian ocean and more in terms of managing disasters on a global scale. I would like to see a global operations centre established to manage disaster response everywhereon Earth.
Inputs would be:
- Earthquake data
- Wave data
- Metiorite impact data
- Volcanic eruption data
- Hurricane and tornado data
- Strong winds
- Tsunamis
- Ash clouds
- Atmospheric shock waves
- Propogation patterns for the above risks
- Location of populations at risk
- Strategies for responding to disasters
- The general public via email, cellular phones, POTS.
- Regional emergency services via the above channels as well as dedicated channels