K U A L A L U M P U R N E W S

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TSUNAMISAFETY

Where do tsunamis occur?

Written by Kamilia Broderick

Tsunamis are a series of ocean waves produced by earthquakes/underwater landslides/volcanic eruptions. When an oceanic plate hits a continental plate the plates press together, pressure builds; Eventually the heavier oceanic plate slips under the lighter continental one, and causes an earthquake. The earthquake lifts part of the ocean floor up and drops other parts down.

What is a tsunami?The word tsunami comes from the Japanese word meaning “Harbour Wave” Waves that are 100ft+ feet high can be very destructive. Tsunamis don’t happen very often, but when they do they cause many deaths and injuries.

Tsunamis can occur in many places, but four out of every five tsunamis that happen occur in the region called the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, where the destruction of tectonic plates by the process of subduction results in frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This region that rings the Pacific Ocean basis has some of the most active plate boundaries in the world. If a major earthquake happens here is it will definitely be strong enough to cause a destructive tsunami.

The countries located along the Pacific Ring of Fire are: • Canada• U.S• New Zealand• Malaysia

• Philippines• Indonesia

• Countries in SA• Mexico• Japan • Russia• Papa New

Guinea

Japan Tsunami 2011

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BEFORE AND DURING A TSUNAMI DISASTER

What to do before/during a tsunami hits you? If you live in a coastal area that could be hit by an earthquake, especially near the Pacific Ocean, the chances of a tsunami hitting increase. Take these precautions immediately after an earthquake:- Turn on your radio or TV to see if there are any tsunami warnings.- Move away from the shoreline and evacuate to high-ground immediately.- If you’re at a beach and see a wave noticeably receding, do not just stand there and wander what it is, you must evacuate immediately and RUN in theopposite direction. Go to higher ground or inland immediately and warn everyone on the way by shouting clearly and loudly "Tsunami! Head for high ground!"- If you’re at home; Take only essential items that you can carry including important papers. Go to higher

ground, at least ten metres above sea level, or if possible move at least one kilometer away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbours. Stay at high ground as tsunamis can last for 8 hours or longer.

- If you can’t leave the area, take shelter in an upper story of a sturdy brick or concrete multi-story building

- Tune in to your emergency broadcasters ; Local Radio, commercial radio or any community radio stations such as 88.9 Capital FM, 93.9 Real Life Real Time, or 89.9 Business FM

Protecting your home & propertyIf you live in an area in the world where a tsunami could happen, here are a few tips that you could use to help protect and prevent severe damage to your home & property. - Evaluate your home if it’s near the coast.- You should have a emergency kit ready - If you’re really concerned about a tsunami hitting you, you could even have

your home inspected by a engineer to find out ways to divert water away from the structure

Act quickly if you happen to be caught up in the water. If you did not manage to evacuate in time and yourself caught up in the tsunami for one reason or another, there a a few tips that you could try to survive:

- Grab onto something that floats. Use a floating object as a raft to keep yourself above the water and grab on tightly. Items that float such as tree trunks, doors, fishing equipment etc. may be in the water with you. Tip: Do NOT try to surf a tsunami wave as the waves have a lot of energy and are very powerful.

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After a tsunami, Looking for Signs & Emergency Kits

Can animals sense earthquakes and tsunamis?Just prior to an earthquake or the beginning of a tsunami, people from different parts around the world have witnessed strange behavior of animals. In Thailand, elephants were seen running away from the coastline just prior to the December 26, 2004 tsunami. Birds have stopped singing, cows have begun leaping and cats and dogs have sought refuge in the strangest of places.

If you see this tsunami hazard zone sign, that means you are in an area of which a tsunami could occur/tsunami danger zone.

What to do After a Tsunami Occurs

- Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate. Call for help. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger. - check that everyone is present and that no-one is injured- If it is safe to do so, check your house and property for signs of damage- If you have evacuated, stay away until

authorities tell you it is safe to return home- Take care when traveling as roads may still be dangerous

Emergency Kit- Portable radio with spare

batteries- Torch with spare batteries- First Aid kit- A copy of your emergency plan- Bottled water- Enough non-perishable food for three days

- Mobile phone - Strong boots or shoes- Medications- Food and special

requirements for pets

B I B L I O G R A P H Y

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References:

http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tsunami

http://www.ses.vic.gov.au/prepare/prepare-resources/home-emergency-plan-2011

http://www.secretsofsurvival.com/survival/tsunami.html

http://www.witchhazel.it/tsunami.htm

http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geologic_hazards/Tsunami/Documents/TsunamiBrochure.pdf