Dear Secretary Ban Ki-moon,

I am saddened to hear of the recent events that occurred in Indonesia. A deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, and triggered a huge tsunami that battered Indonesian villages. Close to 300 people have lost their lives, and scores more are still missing. Considering the damage that was done and lives that were lost due to the tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, I would have hoped for a fast, more efficient warning system that could have allowed the victims to escape in time.

The warning systems that were put in place following the 2004 tsunami proved to be almost completely useless. Residents are reporting having received little to no warning at all. This is unacceptable, given that this kind of event isn't altogether unlikely in the region.

It's time you take action. We simply cannot allow devastation like this to happen more than once, let alone twice. Although the damage seems to be far lesser than the 2004 event, villages have been wiped out and hundreds are dead. Something needs to be done.

We need the international community to come together to assist Indonesia, and all parts of the world at risk for earthquakes and tsunamis. Please dedicate more time to finding ways of warning those who may be at risk for natural disasters.

Sincerely,