The goal of the World Conference was to find ways to reduce the toll of disasters through preparation , and ultimately to reduce human casualties . Due to the proximity to the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami , developing a global tsunami warning system was high on the agenda . Other topics included : The Pacific Rim Tsunami Warning system is an example of a cost-effective warning system ; its yearly operating cost is approximately US$ 4 million . The yearly operating cost of a hypothetical global warning system is estimated at US$ 30 million . This cost , compared to the international aid donations of nearly US$ 8 billion for the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami , clearly demonstrates the cost effectiveness of such a system
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami
World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction