February 25, 2005
by Kevin Caruso
Indonesian officials have indicated that “escape hills” may be built in the province of Aceh to afford “escape” areas if a tsunami were to strike in the future.
Previously, officials said that they would preclude villagers from rebuilding on the coast, but numerous villagers have protested indicating that they want to return to their coastal homes, so officials are now exploring the possibility of the “escape hills” as a viable alternative.
Officials are still considering establishing some type of buffer zone between the coastline and homes, but believe the zone can be much smaller with the “escape hills” in place.
The construction of tsunami-resistant walls between coastal villages and the ocean is also being considered.
