Professor Surveys Tsunami Aftermath

During his recent sabbatical leave, NIU Meteorology Professor Mace Bentley had the opportunity to continue research into the aftermath of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami. This tsunami occurred on December 26th, 2004 and killed over 300,000 people making it one of the worst natural disasters of the past century. One of the most devastated areas was the Phi Phi Islands about 25 miles off the coast of Thailand. Ton Sai Beach on Phi Phi Don (the main island) was destroyed by the tsunami as it entered the bay from two directions.

Thankfully, a more responsible rebuilding has commenced at Ton Sai Beach and four years after its destruction, it has once again become a popular tourist destination. Dr. Bentley provides this vodcast, which was recorded on Ton Sai Beach directly where the giant wave swept ashore.

Large wrecked wooden boats laying about 200 meters inland on the Hong Islands where they were carried and deposited by the tsunami.

Dr. Bentley's work illustrates the diversity of hazard studies ongoing at NIU. All disasters, whether geologic or atmospheric, have the same central component at their core -- human vulnerabilty. Examining and learning from one disaster, no matter the type, can help prevent future disasters from occurring.