Thursday, December 30 2004 19:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: The Government will work towards development of an effective early warning system for natural calamities like the devastating tsunami and seek international assistance if required, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in Thiruvananthapuram today (Dec 30, 2004).

Addressing a press conference after touring the tsunami-affected areas, Singh also sought to clear the air over the conflicting reports on the quake alert issued this morning, which had sent fresh waves of panic in the coastal belt.

"We took precautions and an alert warning was issued", he said, adding, "The moral is that we need to develop an early warning system and if necessary seek international assistance in this regard".