Tsunamis are dangerous natural phenomena that are capable of causing enormous amounts of devastation. The tsunami that followed the earthquake in the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004 is an example of the damage that can ensue. More than 230,000 people died as a result, making this the deadliest tsunami on record. One of the reasons for the extensive loss of life was the lack of tsunami warning systems. As a result, few people knew that it was coming, and many who were taken by surprise were unable to retreat to safety in time.
The word “tsunami” is Japanese and translates loosely to “harbor wave”. Tsunamis are enormous waves of about ten meters in height that result from unusual activity underneath the ocean. Earthquakes are often the cause, though not always. Explosions, detonations of nuclear weapons and volcanic eruptions are other root causes linked to tsunamis.
The 2004 tragedy demonstrates the importance of having tsunami warning systems in place. Sensors are set up to detect seismic activity and issue warnings that will allow people sufficient time to evacuate the most vulnerable areas and seek higher ground. When an earthquake is detected near a body of land, it’s a pretty safe bet that a tsunami will follow. Other indications of an impending tsunami include a low rumbling sound and the migration of animals away from the coastline. Additionally, drastically receding shoreline is generally a sign that a tsunami is on its way very shortly.
In addition to implementing early warning systems, some countries have taken measures to reduce the destructive potential of tsunamis. These include planting trees along the coastline, building walls to slow the progression of the tsunami and building channels and floodgates so the water will be less destructive. Nonetheless, these measures are only partially effective.
Tsunamis are at their most powerful in the middle of the ocean, where they can reach speeds of 600 miles per hour. On land, they lack most of that power, peaking at 30 to 40 miles per hour, but they still have immense destructive force, especially since the wave gets higher as it loses speed.
Coastal areas are at the greatest risk for tsunamis, so if you live near the water, especially on an island, be aware of the warning signs and get to high ground as quickly as possible if you think a tsunami might be imminent. Bear in mind that tsunamis can occur both at night and during the day and that they travel faster than a person can run, so you want to get as much of a head start as possible. Larger waves may follow the first, so don’t count on the danger being over once the first wave has passed, and don’t attempt to ride the wave as you would when surfing.
Tsunamis are among the deadliest natural disasters that can hit a populated area, so it’s important to know as much about them as possible. The more prepared you are for the arrival of a tsunami, the more likely it is that you will survive it.