The Sumatra tsunami of 26 December 2004 reminded the world that the tsunami
hazard can be devastating for coastal communities unaware and unprepared for
coastal flooding by multiple tsunami waves. Recent advances in the science of
tsunami forecasting, communications technology and tsunami-resilient community
development hold promise for a global tsunami mitigation system that
would greatly reduce the impact of future tsunamis. There are no technical
barriers restraining the development, implementation and maintenance of a
global tsunami mitigation system that supports tsunami-resilient communities.
Before the next Sumatra-type tsunami strikes, we must resolve to create a
world that can coexist with the tsunami hazard.