Development of tsunami disaster response system using hazard mapping

Park, H.S., Hong, S.J. and Kim, D.S., 2013. Development of tsunami disaster response system using hazard mapping, In: Conley, D.C., Masselink, G., Russell, P.E. and O’Hare, T.J. (eds.), Proceedings 12 th International Coastal Symposium (Plymouth, England), Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 65, pp. 1021-1026, ISSN 0749-0208. The purpose of this study is to develop the Tsunami Disaster Response System (TDRS) to reduce the damage caused by tsunami in the eastern coast of Korea. TDRS is constructed by using “hazard mapping techniques” along with several other methods. The highly populated and potentially dangerous areas of the eastern coast have been selected and a test is performed on forty-three different target regions to establish a tsunami disaster response system and hazard mapping. In addition, the existing tsunami response measures are analyzed including shelters, evacuation methods, and maps; and surveys are conducted to assess the climate, population and land-use of the selected regions. Topography and bathymetry data are also acquired and processed for numerical modeling, through which a total of forty-four hazard maps are prepared to estimate tsunami in four magnitudes (M7.5~M9.0) from eleven seismic zones for each study region. As a result, tsunami hazard maps are prepared on the eastern coast regions, which allows for a fast and accurate response to tsunami. Through this study, the study region for tsunami hazard mapping is selected, detailed topographical information and grid systems (4.5 m resolution) in the coastal zone are acquired, inundation characteristics are analyzed for each study region, and tsunami hazard maps are prepared for each study region. The “tsunami disaster response system” developed in this research will be employed as a comprehensive decision making system for tsunami; and will be utilized as a disaster prevention system to make an anticipative response against disasters by central and local governments; as well as a guide for evacuation and disaster management.