February 12, 2005
by Kevin Caruso
U.S. Pledges $35M for Tsunami Warning System in Indian Ocean
The United States is pledging $35 million to help establish a tsunami warning system in the Indian Ocean.
Because there was no warning system in the Indian Ocean when the December 26, 2004 tsunami hit, tens of thousands of people who could have been warned and evacuated needlessly died.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be working with the governments of the countries hardest hit by the 2004 tsunami to implement the warning system and prepare for future disasters.
“A regional tsunami early warning system will be designed collaboratively by other countries and donors, and America will support efforts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India,” said Andrew Natsios, agency administrator for USAID.
