Web Desk (November 05, 2018): In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day. The UN General Assembly has called on all countries, international bodies and civil society to observe the day, in order to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction.
A tsunami is a series of waves caused by large earthquakes and the waves can grow to become a fast-moving wall of water.
In the past 100 years, more than 260,000 people have lost their lives in 58 separate tsunamis across the world. At an average of 4,600 deaths per disaster, the toll is greater than any other natural hazard.
World Tsunami Awareness Day is a good time to learn more about your tsunami risk, know how to prepare and to update your plan to keep your family safe.
Safety Precautions
It’s important to know the different ways to stay informed if there is an emergency. Know which radio stations to listen to, which websites and social media to follow, get to know your neighbours, and check whether your phone can receive Emergency Mobile Alerts.
Long or Strong, Get Gone: If you’re near the coast and experience any of the following:
Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up, or a weak rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more See a sudden rise or fall in sea level Hear loud and unusual noises from the sea Don’t wait for an official warning; move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.
You’ll need to self-evacuate: In a local source tsunami, there won’t be time for emergency services to go door to door to coordinate evacuations. You must be prepared to self-evacuate.
Know your route: Check out your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s website for your local tsunami evacuation zone maps. Practise your route.
Staying safe means staying informed: It is unlikely there will be an official warning before the first waves hit, they will be issued as swiftly as possible. Know where to get information. Listen to the radio for updates.
Plan ahead if self-evacuation is a problem
If you have a disability or special requirements, make arrangements with your support network to alert you of any warnings and to help you evacuate.
Hīkoi not convoy: If possible, run, walk or cycle when evacuating from a tsunami. You don’t want to get stuck in traffic in a tsunami zone.
Have a grab bag ready: Have a grab bag ready with food, water, warm clothes, a battery-powered radio, and anything else you might need.
Don’t forget animals: If you have pets, domestic animals or livestock, include them in your evacuation planning.
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