Sad
The tragedy of the earthquake and resulting tsunamis in the Indian Ocean is horrific. Here in the US, I think we have a tough time understanding how devastating natural disasters can be. Consider that the current death estimates of 22,000 are equivalent to more than 7 simultaneous 9/11's. Our infrastructure and warning systems help reduce the impact of these disasters.
One story that hit me was how people on the beaches were curious as to why the water rushed out. They wandered out further to investigate. Having grown up in Alaska and learning about the events of the 1964 earthquake, I know that earthquakes can trigger tsunamis and water rushing away is a precedes a tsunami. That would have been my signal to run to high ground. While working on the Valdez Oil Spill, there was a major earthquake out at sea. A tsunami was a major concern so those in charge had to decide whether to move to deep water or get everyone to shore to climb to high ground. We pulled up anchor and headed to deep water. We new when a tsunami should reach us so we sat and waited. The time came and passed quietly. We later learned that a tsunami of 1 foot was recorded in the area.