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Welcome to our webpage about plate tectonics in Southeast Asia. Our goal is to educate and give a general background in multiple areas regarding geologic movement in Southeast Asia. Please read through some of our fast facts below to get a general idea of this seismically active area:
 * Introduction**
 * The last major earthquake in Southeast Asia was on December 26, 2004 and was a magnitude 9.0. The last major earthquake in the world of this magnitude was in Alaska in the 1960s and was a magnitude 9.2 earthquake.
 * Because of Southeast Asia’s maritime nature, tsunamis and massive flooding often follow major earthquakes.
 * Southeast Asia still remains a major hotspot of earthquakes in the world.
 * Southeast Asia is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is the horseshoe- like shape path encompassing the pacific ocean, going from Australia, Southeast Asia, Japan, Russia, Alaska, North America, and down through South America. It is known for its massive earthquakes and volcano eruptions.

Plate boundaries and earthquakes are directly related. Earthquakes are caused due to the moving of the plates in the Earth. Earthquakes are usually in a certain area and the boundaries of the plates are within that area. These earthquakes occur when the plate boundaries diverge, converge, or slide past each other, creating a seismic reaction.
 * What is the relationship between plate boundaries and earthquakes?**



Geodynamic research has shown many processes occurring in Southeast Asia. Research has revealed the location of active plate boundaries in the region and deformation in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia. It has also shown significant plate tectonic activity in the Philippine islands. The geodynamic study also confirmed the existence of a rotating block in relation to other plates called the Sunda block. These processes contribute to the earthquakes, tsunamis, tectonically induced landslides and volcanic activity in the Southeast Asia region. Further studies have shown they result from the convergence of the Eurasian, Philippine and Indo-Australian plates with speeds of up to 10 cm per year.
 * Physical Processes of the Region**




 * Natural Hazards & Human Interests That May be at Risk**

The most common and frequent natural hazard that is experienced in Southeast Asia is flooding. During the monsoon season Thailand, Cambodia, Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines frequently experience heavy rainfall from intense tropical storms which are often disastrous for both the people and the land. The 2011 monsoon season resulted in a collective death toll of more than 1,000 people. Along with frequent flooding, located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia experiences considerable seismic activity, in both earthquakes and volcanoes. More commonly, undersea earthquakes are experienced in Southeast Asia causing typhoons and heavy flooding. As a result of the flooding, the presence of stagnant water contributed to the disease toll, as does the displacement that forces many residents to live in close quarters with livestock. Besides the human toll, agricultural land is often swamped and the inundated fields raise the possibility of food shortages. The more intense earthquakes and typhoons that Southeast Asia experiences often leave the affected area with millions of dollars in repair costs, which sometimes require the assistance and support of other nations, which may include medical care, basic resources and supplies, and the rebuilding of the affected area.

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**How can/are community residents and authorities prepare for an earthquake in Southeast Asia?**

According to the Red Cross, a leading Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) in Southeast Asia, there have been many systems implemented and being put in that are enhancing the safety and well- being of the citizens.

Before the impending disaster strikes, the Red Cross has ensured that Early Warning Notification systems are in place to alert citizens of the situation occurring and how to respond. Furthermore, the Red Cross has helped streamline the processes of both governmental and non governmental organizations to ensure the most expedient disaster relief possible. These programs have helped to save thousands of lives in Southeast Asia.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the Red Cross has attempted to ensure that as many lives are saved as possible. Together with the Asia Disaster Preparedness Center, the Red Cross is helping train first responders in how to conduct search missions and help with light medical aid.

In the blight of the December 26, 2004 tsunamis that affected millions in Southeast Asia, the Red Cross has proved as a reliable source of aid, participating in water and sanitation projects, essential for maintaining a clean and orderly society for many villages throughout even remote villages in the jungles. Furthermore, the Red Cross has assisted in facilitating the establishment of disaster preparedness plans to ensure that when the next large scale natural disaster hits, they will be better prepared than they had been in 2004.

The best part about the Red Cross is that multiple worldwide Red Cross agencies, even on a localized level, are working toward creating a better prepared Southeast Asia to minimize impacts of a natural disaster. The creation of an individual, tailored program for each region within a country has helped these nations even better prepare for disasters before, during and after the event.

On a micro level, residents have learned to prepare for earthquakes by keeping a supply of essentials, such as dried and canned goods, and water. Additionally, they have been advised to also have an emergency escape route and have often been provided with tools and supplies by NGOs to help them survive in the event of a disaster.

Together, residents alongside with governmental organizations, and non governmental organizations, especially the Red Cross, have helped disaster struck regions in Southeast Asia rehabilitate and recover from catastrophic natural disasters. With improved plans implemented into action, the goal of a better prepared Southeast Asia is inevitable, which will result in fewer deaths and a shorter recovery time after the disaster.


 * Media**

The Power Point below gives more detail to the deadly earthquake that occurred in Southeast Asia on December 26, 2004!

Timeline of natural disasters in Southeast Asia 2004-2011