'Safer Island Concept' developed after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: A case study of maldives

摘要

This study deals with the "safer island concept" implemented for the reconstruction and rehabilitation works after the 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in the Maldives. The safer island concept has been developed as an important adaptation strategy for tsunamis as well as the sea-level rise due to climate change. Reconstruction work in Dhuvaafaru Island to rehabilitate the entire population of Kandholhudhoo Island of Raa atoll is chosen as a case study. The appropriateness of the functionality of the redesigned island to provide security and safety for the island communities is evaluated using the digital elevation model. The study results show that the design enhanced mitigation measures of the island might show some resilience for less frequent natural disasters such as smaller tsunamis, while the implementation of the concept may create greater vulnerability for more frequent disasters, such as flash floods and storms. An integrated approach with appropriate risk assessment of floods, storms, and other physical aspects of the island is recommended for the future development of the safer island concept.