My delegation wishes to commend the affected countries for the bold efforts that their respective authorities have displayed in addressing the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.

More than 150,000 lives were lost in the 26 December earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Jakarta, 6 January 2005

Also, on the Assembly's behalf, I wish to pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts made by the international community to come to the assistance and succour of the populations and countries hit by the earthquake and tsunami.

The city was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake and associated tsunami on the morning of 28 December 1908, killing about 60,000 people and destroying most of the ancient architecture.

Of the disasters that have occurred in the past year, the 26 December 2004 earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean was by far the largest.

Protection and management of ecosystems that provide water storage and coastal protection could also reduce risks and impacts from natural disasters, such as floods and tsunamis.

Declaration on Action to Strengthen Emergency Relief, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Prevention in the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster of 26 December 2004

Before I adjourn the meeting, I should like once again, on behalf of the General Assembly, to convey our most sincere condolences to the peoples and countries affected by this earthquake and tsunami of unprecedented proportions.

Ms. Nguyen (Canada) (spoke in French) Canada would first like to extend its deepest sympathies to all the nations, communities, families and individuals affected by the earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004.

We fully support the efforts of the international community in response to the urgent needs of the communities severely affected by the tsunami and welcome the United Nations flash appeal for the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

The Asian earthquakes and tsunamis of 26 December 2004 were followed by tremendous support, at an unprecedented level, from private citizens and the corporate sector.

We may complain about the United Nations, yet we instinctively turn to it as we seek to organize life in an ever more interdependent world, confronted with such urgent new challenges as terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, pandemic diseases and tsunamis.

Mr. Tesch (Australia) Let me begin by reiterating the Australian Government's deepest condolences to all those affected by the earthquake and tsunamis that struck the Indian Ocean region on 26 December.

Welcoming further the 2005 Rome Declaration on Fisheries and the Tsunami, adopted by the Ministerial Meeting on 12 March 2005,Ibid., appendix A. which addressed the issue of rehabilitation in relation to the tsunami disaster,

The earthquake and tsunami disaster of 26 December 2004, the world's worst natural disaster in living memory, took over 280,000 lives and devastated coastal areas and communities around the Indian Ocean.

In this regard, I have the honour to transmit herewith the Declaration on Action to Strengthen Emergency Relief, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Prevention in the Aftermath of the Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster of 26 December 2004 (see annex).

The recent earthquake and tsunami, and the spate of hurricanes that hit the Caribbean region last year, highlight the increasing number and scale of natural disasters and their growing impact, with massive loss of life and critical damage to socio economic infrastructure.

We recall with a deep sense of appreciation such demonstrations of humanity by Governments, rich and poor, non governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals all around the world to offer a helping hand in the wake of the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 26 December 2004.

The recent earthquake and tsunami triggered a debate on the need for the establishment of regional early warning mechanisms for disaster prevention, development and the strengthening of response preparedness, mitigation and contingency planning, as well as measures to prepare communities for future disasters.