Thailand now all over the world is associated not only with the beautiful and popular resorts, where in a hurry to get to the rest of people from different countries, but with a terrible tragedy that occurred here at the beginning of the XXI century.This state is largely affected by the disaster.The earthquake triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004, taking in Thailand only about 8.5 thousand. Lives.In general, this natural disaster has become destructive to the 18 countries of the world.
Tremors
morning of December 26 massive earthquake rocked near the northwest coast of Sumatra (Indonesia).Its magnitude was later estimated the scientists had at least 9 points.It became one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in the history of observations.
proof of its strength is the fact that the Burmese and Indian tectonic plates that connect it to the location of the island of Sumatra, have moved a great distance.Approximately 1200 km breed shifted almost overnight by 15 m, and along with it a number of islands, close to the region.That shift of tectonic plates in motion a huge body of water, which turned into a major tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004.
element of surprise
Tragically, this very popular among foreign tourists and crowded resort island of Phuket was completely naked in front of the disaster.The fact is that even though there were tremors near the coast, but neither Thais nor tourists are practically not felt.And those who do something and felt, did not attach any importance.
What happened almost immediately after the earthquake, the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 was a complete surprise.Huge waves close to the west coast of Thailand so fast that other countries have not yet received reports of such serious danger.The authorities of that country have never before experienced a tsunami of such a force.It is therefore not surprising that there is no system of protection against the elements did not exist.People absolutely did not know what to do in such a situation.
Shortly before the tragedy
Nobody expected that may cause such a major natural disaster like the tsunami in the Indian Ocean.December 2004 was successful.Especially the end of the month, as here usually rush of foreign tourists who want to celebrate New Year in the exotic country.But the expectation of the holiday for many people, turned into a nightmare.
The morning weather was beautiful, and everyone involved in your business.The Thais were going to work, and the tourists rest in cozy hotel rooms or at the beach.And nothing seemed to portend disaster.But then suddenly presented itself before the eyes of the people the extraordinary spectacle.It was truly a huge tide.The water in the blink of an eye rolled back from the coast, leaving a trail of seashells, fish and other marine life.
Locals enjoy this easy catch, and tourists trying to collect himself free souvenirs.Some have decided to just look at this unusual natural phenomenon, so many of them brought with them video and still cameras.
Paradise turned into hell
At this point, no one could foresee that they are approaching the most terrible natural disaster.The 2004 tsunami drove up to the shore in the form of ordinary waves in shallow water which were rapidly transformed into huge trees that reach 20 meters in height.It happened so quickly that the time for salvation is not there.People tried to escape from the disaster, but, overtaken by a wall of water simply disappeared in it.
Most of the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 in Thailand fell on those who were close to the shore.From 8.5 thousand. 5.4 thousand people. - It is the tourists who come here from more than 40 countries.The strength of the tsunami was so huge that the waves went inland for several hundred meters, and in some places even at a distance of 2 km.
Light houses were swept away like a card.Corps hotels withstood the capital, but the windows are instantly taken off, and the people who were on the lower floors, the chances of survival were practically no.When the wave retreated, exposing the land, everywhere covered with bodies of people, uprooted trees and flattened iron structures.
Needless to say that the few who were lucky enough to survive the first strike element was shock that did not allow to fully comprehend what is happening, and leave the dangerous place.But it does not end.I wave back 2 more times.
Security
After the earthquake in the Indian Ocean in 2004 caused a tsunami of unprecedented force and claimed hundreds of thousands of human lives on holiday in Thailand, many are still not thinking.And in vain!Brochures, which offer tourists relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the Thai coast, among other things, promise peace and security.And I must say that they are very close to the truth.The fact that the tourist season here runs only during the dry season when virtually no rainfall.Therefore, the risk of flooding is reduced almost to zero.
As for volcanoes, they are only two, and they are considered to be asleep.This means that in the history of documentary not a single fact attests to their eruptions.Earthquakes in these places as unlikely, because Thailand is located in a seismically quiet region of the planet.
tsunami
As you know, the underwater earthquake occasionally happens on the ocean floor.One of them, and provoked huge waves of the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 that hit the west coast of Thailand.But that in no way does not mean that this will happen too often.
probability of a tsunami just at the Thai shores is negligible.Judge for yourself: the northern part of the country is protected by the mainland Eurasia to the south it borders with Malaysia and covers the eastern peninsula of Indochina.It remains to the west coast.Just this side of the danger of a tsunami might come.When an earthquake happens next is almost impossible to define, but you can say with certainty that this will happen very soon.
Alert
After the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami was the cause of a powerful tsunami, Thailand joined the International Deep Water System.It was created with the purpose of early detection and notification in case of approaching disaster.Sensor systems are now installed along the west coast of Thailand.Thanks to them, locals and tourists are warned of the approach of a tsunami and can be removed from dangerous areas.
The system provides a number of languages, this is due to the fact that in Thailand, foreigners have begun to return.As you know, the tourist business in the country is almost the most important source of infusion of currency into the national economy.That is why so fast to overcome the devastating effects of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004 were thrown all reserves.
10 years
But this tragedy has affected not only Thailand.A huge wave covered the coast of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and 14 other countries, members of the Indian Ocean rim.Scientists estimate that the total capacity of the elements exceeds the energy of all military projectiles exploded for the time of World War II, plus the two atomic bombs dropped on the Japanese islands - that's the power of a tsunami in the Indian Ocean.Ten years later, it has not been established the exact number of victims.Too many bodies have taken with a giant wave.The UN released a figure of 230 thousand. Man, but the truth is we will never know.The scale of destruction simply enormous: 1.6 million people homeless, and damages exceeded $ 15 billion.
