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Next time we'll know better.
A New York Times article by John Schwartz (free registration required) outlines the benefits and drawbacks of an SMS (Short Message Service) warning system in averting or minimizing disasters such as the tsunami. Text messaging and mobile phone usage are far more pervasive in Asia and Europe than they are in North America. However, they are susceptible to hacking and false notifications. And not everyone has a phone, but those that do can spread the message.
In the thrust to constantly build new technology we may fail to take advantage of existing systems for delivering information - like radio and television. As the article points out, the United States has used the Emergency Alert System since 1951 to broadcast warnings over television and radio. A warning via radio and television of the impending tsunami might have saved lives. According to Kenneth Allen, executive director of the Partnership for Public Warning:
"Strip aside all of the fancy technology, it's getting the right information to people so they can make the right decision - and in this case, it didn't happen."
(Link from Boing Boing)