New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS): Preparedness and better planning can minimise the devastating impact of natural calamities like tsunami waves which killed thousands of people in southeast Asia a decade ago, a WHO official said Tuesday.

"Preparedness is the key to minimise the impact of disasters, measuring preparedness is a sound basis for addressing risks, no matter what the cause," Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director for southeast Asia region at the World Health Organisation, said in a statement.

On Dec 26, 2004, tsunami waves hit many southeast Asian countries, including India's coastal areas, causing colossal destruction of property and leading to loss of lives.

"There is a need to continuously measure the actions objectively and identify and address gaps, to be able to respond better," the statement quoted her as saying.

"Our efforts and investments into planning for and responding to emergencies must continue," she said.

Khetrapal Singh said there was a need to make risk management capacities pervasive in all levels of society.

"We must continue to invest and strengthen our capacities for prevention and preparedness to save more lives," she added.