Disaster Strikes!
All About Tsunamis
What Is A Tsunami?
A tsunami is a series of waves that gradually get taller and bigger and unfortunately forms into a tsunami. Tsunami waves can travel up to 600 miles per hour, which is the speed of a jet plane. Normal water waves usually travel up 2 to 60 miles per hour. Due to the speed of the tsunami waves it leaves a terrible path of destruction.
Devastation To Humans
In 2004 a tsunami struck 16 different countries. Because of this tsunami it left over 230,000 dead. There was 45,756 missing people, 125,000 injured people, and 1,690,000 displaced bodies. Because of this horrifying event it left thousand's devastated. This will be another mark in history forever.
Earthquakes
A tsunami is generated by an earthquake. The largest earthquake recorded in history took place in 1960. It was 100 miles off the coast of Chile. Almost fifteen minutes passed when the 80 foot high waves hit the coast. Then 15 hours later it hit Hawaii. Twenty two hours later the waves reached Japan after covering a distance of 10,000 miles.
Safety Tips
- Keep calm and move to higher ground
- Stay tuned into your local radio and television stations
- When in coastal areas, stay alert for tsunami warnings
- When you can see the wave you are to close to escape - so stay where you are at the moment - NEVER stay near shore to watch a tsunami come in
Final Thoughts
Because of this massive destruction, millions of people die. It cost thousands to repair all the damage the tsunami has done. Not only the tsunami causes all of these problems but a earthquake is involved too. There are plenty of things we can do to keep ourselves safe. But the best thing to do is to get to higher ground.