TSUNAMI Although the tsunami slows to a speed of about 48 km/h as it approaches a

coastline, it has a destructive force equal to millions of tons.

 Japanese word meaning “harbor wave”
 used as the scientific term for a class of abnormal sea waves that
may cause catastrophic damage when it hits the coastline
 can be generated by an undersea earthquake, an undersea
landslide, the eruption of an undersea volcano, or by the force of an
asteroid crashing into the ocean
 often caused by undersea earthquakes
Tsunamis are capable of obliterating coastal settlements, agricultural areas
and farmlands, and man-made infrastructure.
take note!
Tsunamis should not be confused with storm surges.
Tsunamis are sometimes mistakenly called tidal waves, but they have
nothing to do with the gravitational forces that cause tides.

When the ocean floor is uplifted or offset during an earthquake, a set of There are two types of tsunamis that occur in the Philippines: the local and
waves is created similar to the concentric waves generated by an object far-field/distant tsunami.
dropped into the water.
tsunami warnings
Most tsunamis originate along the Ring of Fire, a zone of volcanoes and
PHIVOLCS lists the warning signs that coastal populations must be alert for:
seismic activity, 32,500 km (24,000 mi) long, which encircles the Pacific
Ocean.  An earthquake is felt, especially in coastal areas. The ground shaking
is usually strong enough that a person can hardly stand.
Since 1819, about 40 tsunamis have struck the Hawaiian Islands.
 This is followed by an unusual sea level change—either a rise in
sizes of tsunamis seawater, or a sudden drop in seawater that exposes corals,
underwater rocks, and marine life.
A tsunami can have wavelengths of 100 to 200 km, and may travel hundreds
 The third sign is an unusual sound produced by the approaching
of kilometers beneath the ocean, reaching speeds of about 725 to 800
wave. Most tsunami survivors describe the sound as a loud "jet-like"
km/h.
roar or rumbling, or a strong rain sound.
A TSUNAMI IS NOT A SINGLE WAVE BUT A SERIES OF WAVES.
recent significant tsunamis
In the deep ocean, the waves may be only about half a meter high.
DEATH
DATE ORIGIN EFFECTS
Upon entering shallow coastal waters, the waves may suddenly grow rapidly TOLL
in height. Southwest Philippines
struck, devastating
When the waves reach the shore, they may be 15 m high or more. August 23, 1976 Celebes Sea 8,000
Alicia, Pagadian,
Cotabato, and Davao
damage of tsunamis
Okushiri Island
July 12, 1993 Japan Trench 200
Tsunamis have tremendous force because of the great volume of water and devastated
the speed at which they travel. Papua New Arop, Warapu, Sissano,
July 17, 1998 Guinea, and Malol, Papua New 2,200
Bismarck Sea Guinea, devastated
 DEATH
DATE ORIGIN EFFECTS
TOLL
Coastal areas of Summary
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Where does tsunamis occur?
Indian Ocean,
December 26, India, Thailand,
near Sumatra, 250,000
2004 Somalia, Myanmar,  coastal areas usually along the Pacific Ring of Fire
Indonesia
Malaysia, and Maldives
devastated What causes tsunamis?
More than 5,000  undersea earthquake
Indian Ocean,
people internally  undersea landslide
July 17, 2006 near Java, 668
displaced in West Java
Indonesia  eruption of an undersea volcano
province
 force of an asteroid crashing into the ocean

What are warnings that indicate an impending tsunami?

what we can do
 shaking of earth
BEFORE A TSUNAMI
 dropping of sea levels
 Assembling an emergency preparedness kit.  roaring sounds
 Creating a household evacuation plan that includes your pets.
How does tsunamis cause damage?
 Staying informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
 having tremendous force due to the great water volume and the
DURING A TSUNAMI
speed, tsunamis are capable of obliterating coastal settlements and
 To escape a tsunami, go as high and as far as you can. When you see drowning millions of people
the wave, you are too close to escape it. How does tsunamis affect people?
 Drop, cover, and hold on to protect yourself from the earthquake.
 When the shaking stops, gather members of your household and  it damages infrastructures, preventing students and workers to
review your evacuation plan. A tsunami may be coming within study and do their job, and affects crops and livestock
minutes.
 Avoid downed power lines and stay away from buildings and bridges
from which heavy objects might fall during an aftershock.

AFTER A TSUNAMI

 Let friends and family know you’re safe.

 Register yourself as safe on local authorities.
 If evacuated, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so.
 Stay updated with the latest news.