UNISDR calls for greater attention to disaster risk in Pacific's "Ring of Fire"

GENEVA, 1 October 2018 – The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori, today extended her condolences to the people and Government of Indonesia on the tragic loss of life and the injuries incurred as a result of the 7.5 earthquake and tsunami which struck Sulawesi on Friday.

In a statement, Ms. Mizutori, said: “I am deeply saddened by this latest tragedy to be inflicted on the people of Indonesia so soon after the loss of many lives in the Lombok earthquakes. I extend my condolences to all the families who have been bereaved. I commend the work of all those engaged in search and rescue efforts. 

“The earthquake and tsunami are a reminder that the Pacific’s Ring of Fire is the most active seismic zone on the planet and requires special attention when it comes to disaster risk management. About 90% of the world’s earthquakes occur there and the risk of an associated tsunami is extremely high which is why early warnings are so important along with public awareness raising and evacuation drills.”

Indonesia has suffered more deaths from tsunamis than any other country. This is the sixth fatal tsunami to strike the country since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami claimed approximately 226,000 lives in 12 countries, the vast majority in Indonesia.

Earthquakes and tsunamis are responsible for more deaths than extreme weather events, having claimed an estimated 747,234 lives over the last twenty years, according to a new report which the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction will release next week to coincide with International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13.  World Tsunami Awareness Day will be marked for the third year on November 5.