Response of sheltered and built-up coasts in the wake of natural hazards: The aftermath of the december 2004 Tsunami, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The geomorphology and the disposition of natural features and type of coast are major factors that control wave heights and govern consequent inundation distances. The connection between tsunami run-up heights and inundation of the hinterland is attempted. Field observations carried out in the aftermath of the December 2004 tsunami reveals that there is no direct relationship between the tsunami run-up height of the incoming wave and the flooding it causes. Coastal sand dunes and forested ecosystems dissipated wave energy during the tsunami event. In comparison, flat and built-up coasts devoid of natural protection suffered maximum damage. Post tsunami restoration initiatives have ignored environmental guidelines.