The eruption of an underwater volcano and subsequent tsunami that hit Tonga on January 16, was one of the most violent natural disasters in decades. While this event had catastrophic consequences, such incidents are relatively common as volcanoes are naturally unstable, unpredictable and exist throughout the world.
I have spent most of my career conducting post-disaster field research, improving coastal defences and supporting people to become more resilient to tsunamis and less anxious about the risk. The challenge facing countries in these naturally vulnerable parts of the world is to adapt and educate their citizens to take their own safety actions.
