In the months following the tsunami, my disaster research team interviewed hundreds of survivors in Thailand. Many survivors told us that they were fearful about future tsunami threats. They said they did not have a good understanding about the warning signs of a tsunami, how to evacuate, or how tsunamis form. We also were told that they did not realize how millions of people around the world pulled together to help those affected by the tsunami.

Something special happened when we informed them about these topics. Their fears diminished, and they thanked us for sharing this information. Hearing about the worldwide response made them feel proud and thankful. Most said they had not heard the information we shared with them. Not having the information is a result, in part, of their losing homes and possessions (e.g., television and radio) due to the tsunami and not having insurance to recover. I wondered how we might apply these findings in order to inform large numbers of people in Thailand about these topics.

In March 2006, I came up with an idea to build an educational museum in Khao Lak, an area especially hard hit by the tsunami. A museum could help people understand the event that changed so many lives by showing how the Indian Ocean tsunami formed, showing how the tsunami affected the environment, and how foundations, organizations, businesses, and individuals around the world rallied to help. Exhibits in the museum also could discuss the warning signs of a tsunami and how to evacuate, and the new tsunami warning system being built in the Indian Ocean. And, the museum could show hope, resilience, and the human spirit, and help people move forward with their lives.

Continue to Creating the Museum →

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Photos by David N. Sattler