New maps done to show how tsunami changed the seabed

According to scientists at the NHO, Dehradun, changes have been so dramatic that a new 1:10,00,000 scale map No 7073 of the entire Eastern Indian Ocean is being released shortly.

The tsunami was caused by the continental India plate rubbing against the Burma plate and the resultant quake changed the seabed and coast. That the changes were drastic is indicated by the fact that the initial warnings sent out by the NHO in early 2005 are even now a part of fortnightly notices sent to mariners. In other words, the changes will take years to digest and mariners must be constantly in the loop.

The latest notice, sent out on December 16, says warnings beamed out in January-March 2005 are still in force and that 8220;major changes likely to have occurred in topography of coastline and bathymetry in Andaman 038; Nicobar islands, coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala8221; and 8220;drastic changes to the coastline8221; have occurred on the Little Andaman island.

It also notes the destruction of the East Bay jetty and approach on the Andaman Islands, and absence of buoys and beacons near Port Blair, Nancowry Island, and Mayabundar Island.

The survey work has also put the NHO in singular focus for military diplomacy in the Indian Ocean Region IOR, a fact that the Navy has quickly capitalised on. On the basis of a UN study, the NHO recently told the government that 36 per cent of coastal areas in Asia and 64 per cent in Africa remain unsurveyed, and are present viable areas of cooperation between New Delhi and all the countries concerned.

India, incidentally, is one of only 25 per cent of all littoral states that has advanced hydrographic capabilities. Deals have been signed with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, with more to follow with Indonesia and Vietnam shortly.