Tsunamis, like most natural disasters, are beyond human control. There are, however, a number of techniques that can minimize the harmful effects of tsunamis to the physical environment (including built structures) and to individuals and communities. Accompanied by an effective warning system, thoughtful design strong community organization can reduce harm from Tsunamis and other natural disasters.
The US National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program’s publication Designing for Tsunamis stresses the importance of understanding site conditions. Through zoning, creation of open space and not allowing new development in potential tsunami areas, safer land use will be better able to protect people and buildings. In particular, please see p. 38 for a case study of a Hilo downtown development plan; p. 42-44 for design of buildings to withstand minimal tsunami damage, and p. 46 for a presentation of design solutions for different ocean situations.
National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/itic/library/pubs/online_docs/Designing_for_Tsunamis.pdf
Additional detail and background research for the above report is available from NOAA.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Pacific Maritime Environmental Laboratory
Designing for Tsunamis: Background Papers
Chapter #3: Land Use Planning
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami-hazard/BackgroundPaperschpt3.pdf
Chapter #4: Site Planning
Chapter #5: Building Design
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami-hazard/BackgroundPaperschpts4-5.pdf
The Philippines has been termed a “laboratory for new approaches in disaster mitigation” due to the large number of disasters that have occurred there. Community based disaster preparedness endeavors initiated by the Phillipines National Red Cross are briefly described and analyzed in the publication Risk reduction in practice: a Philippines case study.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/iddr/files/English_Case_Study_2.pdf