Protective role of coastal ecosystems in the context of the tsunami in Tamil Nadu coast, India: Implications for hazard preparedness
Abstract
To assess the damage caused by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26 December 2004, post-tsunami field surveys were undertaken during January and April, 2005 from Chennai to Velankanni along the Tamil Nadu coast. Beach profiles were measured at 24 sites. Tsunami-induced landscape changes, identified in April 2005, have been compared with earlier observations conducted along the Nagore-Velankanni sector in November 1998. The success of sustainable coastal development depends on the resilience towards natural hazards and reduction of disasters. With this objective, this paper highlights the natural buffer capacity of littoral sand dunes and coastal forests, as proved during the December 2004 tsunami. Some coastal management imperatives are explained and the lack of appropriate coastal hazard policies as a cause of human loss is emphasized.
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