In the last two hundred years, there have not been many tsunamis in the U.S., only 24; when they do strike, they can be devastating. Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes, landslides or even meteorites. A series of waves are generated that can be a foot to 100 feet high. Waves travel up to 450 miles per hour. They are not normally detected by air or by boat because the wave height in the open ocean is not very high. As a tsunami approaches the coast, speed of the wave slows down and the height of the wave increases. A tsunami can occur during any season and at any time of day or night.
Tsunami Warning Signs
Unbeknown to many, tsunamis have warning signs, just like earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes. Being aware of the warnings could make the difference in your getting to safety in time or being stuck in the midst.
Tsunami Aftermath
Surviving a tsunami is only the beginning of a difficult struggle. Recovering from a tsunami takes a great deal of time and requires hard work and effort. Tsunami survivors must deal with loss of property and life, grief, and maintaining health and hygiene in a disaster zone. The situation may seem dire, but preparing for the aftermath of a natural disaster before it occurs can significantly improve your chances of health and survival.
Great Life Lessons From Tsunami Survivor
Although we hear about them on the news, we never think that a natural disaster is going to happen to us. If we are not aware of the dangers, we are less likely to be prepared to face them. Victims of the 1960 tsunami in Chile and the 2004 tsunami in Thailand were not prepared and the results were tragic. While the results of a tsunami are horrible, there are great life lessons we can learn from tsunami survivors. Some of these lessons can help those of us in urban and suburban settings to prepare for, and survive, natural disasters such as tsunamis.