READ TEACHER'S GUIDE Vol. 10 No. 13, JANUARY 14, 2005.

This article discusses facts about tsunami and international efforts to develop warning systems to prevent the disaster caused by it. A tsunami is a series of long waves that are caused by disturbances to the sea level. Underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides can set off tsunamis. All earthquakes do not cause tsunamis. In 1949, 26 countries joined to form the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to monitor and issue tsunami warnings for the Pacific Ocean. Member countries include Japan, Australia and the United States. The United Nations announced that it plans to link countries in South Asia and Southeast Asia with this warning system by next year.