Indian science congress to focus on tsunami

Catastrophic tsunamis will be a major focus of the 92nd Indian Science Congress beginning Monday in Ahmedabad of north India's Gujarat as hundreds of scientists gather to discuss issues related to health, environment and space technology.

Being held only a week after gigantic tsunamis killed over 122,000 people across Asia, including over 12,000 in India, the congress will be the first major forum where scientists are expected to discuss ways to forecast such events to minimize human casualties, the Indo-Asia News Service (IANS) reported Sunday.

International experts attending this annual science event will dwell on various aspects of tsunamis, particularly how to explore opportunities for synergy and collaboration with other countries.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the five-day congress, which will also be addressed by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, IANS said.

In an address last week, Kalam urged Indian universities to work with national research institutions to evolve an integrated warning system to detect tsunamis before these can claim so many victims.

"Forewarning systems are a must to face the fury of nature," Kalam said, as they could help evacuate people to safety before major disasters struck.

Source: Xinhua