Experts to meet on tsunami warning system for Indian Ocean

Oceanographic experts will report next week on the progress of preparations for an Indian Ocean warning system set in place after the devast...

Oceanographic experts will report next week on the progress of preparations for an Indian Ocean warning system set in place after the devastating December 26 tsunami, UN officials said on Wednesday.

The first meeting of the body coordinating the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System will discuss remaining technical and scientific requirements after installation of a high-tech array of wave, tide and pressure sensors.

The August 3-5 meet in Perth, Australia, will also hear reports from more than 20 nations on the progress of evacuation and emergency plans each is putting in place to cope with tsunamis.

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The group coordinating the warning system was set up in June by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the meeting will be chaired by Patricio Bernal, the head of the UN oceanographic body.

‘‘We’ve put the framework in place and now we’ve got to see where we are,’’ UNESCO spokeswoman Sue Williams said.

The Indian Ocean warning system will consist of a network of national systems linked to each other through a regional base which is yet to be established.

At least five countries in the region—Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia—have offered different and sometimes competing proposals to host the main regional centre.

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Bernal has said he hopes the Indian Ocean will be equipped by next July with a permanent sensor array, sending information to satellites that will alert the tsunami warning centre network.

—Reuters