A horrific event

I'm extremely depressed. Just can't get over the terrible news on the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan last Friday. Towns wiped out and over 20,000 people missing. Now there is a nuclear crisis due to the threat of multiple reactor meltdown. While extending my sympathies and condolences to the victims, I also salute their fortitude and civility under these extreme circumstances, which should be emulated by the rest of the world.
This shouldn't be happening in a country that has taken all measures to implement one of the most efficient and technologically advanced tsunami warning systems in the Pacific. When I was working at the Malaysian Meteorological Department I was responsible for developing an earthquake monitoring and tsunami early warning system for Malaysia, in the aftermath of the Indonesian tsunami. The Ministry made us work like crazy to complete the project within 3 years. We were very fortunate to obtain valuable assistance from agencies in US (Hawaii) and Japan.

We had to battle the high seas to install the tsunami buoys in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean. We also installed a series of tide gauges and cameras along the coastline. Data and images were relayed to the HQ in real-time. Sirens were installed at specific locations to warn the local community when there is a threat.


I recall spending sleepless nights fine-tuning our system and still it was not perfect. Fortunately the likelihood of a serious tsunami affecting Malaysia is low. People from various government agencies and the private sector made contributions and we appreciated their efforts.

Now, in the light of the latest tragedy, I wonder whether those efforts were sufficient!
To my friends in Japan, we are praying for your safety and we are confident that Japan will pull through this difficult time.