Towards more effective risk reduction: Catastrophic

There is currently considerable tsunami-related research being undertaken, and huge investments have been made in tsunami warning systems, which many people have interpreted as a quick technological fix. Unfortunately, the research and one of the best warning systems in the world did not save the many Japanese who died in the major Tohoku tsunami of March 2011. It appears that currently available information in the light of data sharing and data networking is not adequate to rule out any subduction zone hosting a magnitude 9 or greater earthquake, and therefore generating a catastrophic tsunami.It is thus important to assess what could be done to increase our capability to predict and mitigate the impacts of tsunami globally. A broad consensus on the priorities for filling knowledge gaps and how to achieve more effective communication of advice to guide decisions and policies is vital both for reducing risks and attracting the funding and expertise necessar