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World Tsunami Awareness Day
20221105 World Tsunami Awareness Day
November 5th is World Tsunami Awareness Day; The United Nations declared in 2015 a day when we all come together to learn about tsunamis and how to stay safe if one happens. This blog post will discuss five important facts everyone should know about tsunamis. Stay safe and informed!
Tsunamis are one of the deadliest and most devastating hazards on Earth. While early warning and action remain our best tools for tsunami safety, We must continue to learn about tsunami safety and work together to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these potentially deadly forces of nature.
While tsunamis can occur worldwide, certain areas are more prone to them. The Pacific Ring of Fire is home to more than 75% of the world’s volcanoes and is responsible for most earthquakes. This area also happens to be where most tsunamis occur.
This year alone, tsunami warnings were issued in Alaska, Hawaii, and Japan after powerful earthquakes struck. Thankfully, these tsunami warnings proved false alarms, and no damage was reported. However, these events remind us of the importance of being prepared for a tsunami and knowing what to do if one is ever issued in our area.
What is a tsunami? A tsunami is a series of large waves caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption. They can travel hundreds of miles across the ocean and reach heights of up to 100 feet. The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 was more than three stories high when it hit the shoreline.
The best way to protect yourself from a tsunami is to heed any issued warnings and evacuate immediately if told to do so. If you cannot evacuate, go as high as possible and stay away from beaches and bodies of water. Tsunamis can cause dangerous flooding and currents that can sweep people away.
If you are caught in a tsunami, stay afloat and avoid obstacles. Move towards the open water and don’t try to swim against the current. Once you reach safety, seek medical help if needed.
It is important to remember that not all tsunamis are preceded by a warning. Most tsunami fatalities occur when people are unaware that a tsunami is occurring until it is too late. That’s why it’s crucial to know the signs of a tsunami – such as receding water or unusual wave patterns – and evacuate immediately if you see any of them happening near you.
While we cannot always prevent tsunamis from happening, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from their deadly effects by being knowledgeable and having a plan.
Till next time
“Be Safe”
Alternate Risks: https://www.emergencyactionplanning.com/2016/04/09/alternate-risks/