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Oliver Langdon, Opposition Critic for Municipal and
Provincial Affairs and MHA for the District of Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune,
says recent events in South Asia emphasize the need to review the
possibility of establishing a tsunami early warning system for the Atlantic
coastline. "Although the geological structures
in the Atlantic mean that tsunamis are unlikely in this part of the world,
they can happen here as demonstrated by the 1929 tsunami that hit the Burin
Peninsula," said Mr. Langdon. "This event was caused by an earthquake on the
Grand Banks which killed 27 people and destroyed property in several
communities.
"An early warning system already exists on the West
Coast of Canada, and given the fact that many lives could have been saved if
such a system had been in place in South Asia, the provincial and federal
governments should at least be investigating the possibility of such a
system for the Atlantic Coast. Both governments should at the very least
discuss the merits of an early warning system with other Atlantic Canadian
provinces and the United States government. The first step could involve
discussions with the various emergency measures organizations to examine the
costs and benefits of establishing this system to protect all citizens
living on the Atlantic coast. This could involve collaboration and analysis
on both the national and international level."
Langdon says while the possibility of another Atlantic
tsunami is slim, we should not take anything for granted. "The terrible
catastrophe in the Indian Ocean demonstrates that all regions in the world
must be prepared to deal with unexpected disasters. An early warning system
would be an asset in advising and protecting our citizens from this type of
danger in the future."
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