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Tsunami Safer construction practices Survival skills Alternate communication skills during disasters Sharing responsibility

Tsunami
A tsunami (plural: tsunamis or tsunami; from Japanese: , lit. "harbour wave";[1] English pronunciation: /sunmi/ soo-NAHmee or /tsunmi/ tsoo-NAH-mee[2]) is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, generally an ocean or a large lake. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions (including detonations of underwater nuclear devices), landslides, glacier calvings, meteorite impacts and other disturbances above or below water all have the potential to generate a tsunami.[3] Tsunami waves do not resemble normal sea waves, because their wavelength is far longer. Rather than appearing as a breaking wave, a tsunami may instead initially resemble a rapidly rising tide, and for this reason they are often referred to as tidal waves. Tsunamis generally consist of a series of waves with periods ranging from minutes to hours, arriving in a so-called "wave train".[4] Wave heights of tens of metres can be generated by large events. Although the impact of tsunamis is limited to coastal areas, their destructive power can be enormous and they can affect entire ocean basins; the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was among the deadliest natural disasters in human history with over 230,000 people killed in 14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean. The Greek historian Thucydides suggested in his late 5th century BC, History of the Peloponnesian War, that tsunamis were related to submarine earthquakes,[5][6] but the understanding of a tsunami's nature remained slim until the 20th century and much remains unknown[clarify]. Major areas of current research include trying to determine why some large earthquakes do not generate tsunamis while other smaller ones do; trying to accurately forecast the passage of tsunamis across the oceans; and also to forecast how tsunami waves would interact with specific shorelines.

Mitigation
In some tsunami-prone countries earthquake engineering measures have been taken to reduce the damage caused onshore. Japan, where tsunami science and response measures first began following a disaster in 1896, has produced ever-more elaborate countermeasures and response plans.[36] That country has built many tsunami walls of up to 12 metres (39 ft) high to protect populated coastal areas. Other localities have built floodgates of up to 15.5 metres (51 ft) high and channels to redirect the water from incoming tsunami. However, their effectiveness has been questioned, as tsunami often overtop the barriers. For instance, the Okushiri, Hokkaid tsunami which struck Okushiri Island of Hokkaid within two to five minutes of the earthquake on July 12, 1993 created waves as much as 30 metres (100 ft) tallas high as a 10-story building. The port town of Aonae was completely surrounded by a tsunami wall, but the waves washed right over the wall and destroyed all the wood-framed structures in the area. The wall may have succeeded in slowing down and moderating the height of the tsunami, but it did not prevent major destruction and loss of life.[37] Iwate Prefecture, which is an area at high risk from tsunami, had tsunami barriers walls totalling 25 kilometres (16 mi) long at coastal towns. The 2011 tsunami toppled more than 50% of the walls and caused many damages.

How can we make buildings resist Tsunamis?

As rough ground reduces the effects of the wave, it is not a good idea to cut down all the vegetation and produce a smooth unprotected beach. Mangrove swamps are particularly good at stopping Tsunamis. Reefs too should be left intact, and not destroyed for shipping channels. It is better not to build buildings at low level on the shore line at the top of a smooth shallow beach. This is especially the case if on the sides of an inlet, which can channel and enhance the waves. It is unlikely that the walls and frames could generally be designed to resist the water pressures in a breaking wave. If buildings have to be built, then it is better to make them higher, so that water can flow under them. They would then have suspended floors. If the suspended floors are concrete with suitable framing, their weight and integrity can combat some of the force of the wave. Even if the building is above ground level, it will still be vulnerable to a bigger wave. It is possible to design the walls so that they can fail at ground-to-first floor level, but the frames must be strong enough to support the floors above without help from the walls. It helps if the building is not square on to the wave front. If diagonal, the wave hits the pointed corner first and is diverted around the sides. Pressure is much reduced. Buildings should not be close together in a way that makes a wider dam. If roads have buildings all along both sides, the water is funnelled along the roadway, accumulating debris as it goes, and with no reduction in height or destructive force. It is much better if gaps are left between buildings out through which the water can dissipate. All the structural

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members have to be strongly fixed to the frame and then to the foundations, to prevent them floating off, and becoming missiles. If the soil is sandy, then the footings should be deep and bracing should go right down to the feet. Light soil will also be protected from erosion by tarmac or concrete surfacing, which should go right underneath the floor if it is raised. As in seismic design, the most heavily loaded members, and the ones which take most bending, are the columns from the ground to suspended first floor. These usually have 'pinned feet', that is they are loosely fixed to concrete pads, or something. When the wave passes through, any such pad is scoured, and sinks or tips, so the effect, far from pinned, it is helping the building fail. What you require is a grillage of steel beams, with moment connections to the columns, at or below ground level. And this grillage of steel beams should be enclosed in a concrete floor, which prevents tipping and scour. The weight of the water, at the same time that it is trying to push the building over or along, is also pushing this slab downwards, helping it resist the waves. It is surprising that waves which can lift entire ships 30' in the air do not destroy well made buildings around them. Timber buildings are much liked in earthquake areas because they are light and thus reduce earthquake effects. But they are the worst possible choice in tsunami-prone areas; like the ships, they float, and there is nothing to hold them down. The wood becomes weapons which destroy buildings and lives.

Surviving a Tsunami 101

When vacationing near the ocean in many parts of the world, earthquakes and resulting tsunamis are something to be aware of. Quick action can mean the difference between survival or an untimely death. There are two type of tsunamis, local and distant. A local tsunami is generated when there is an earthquake just a few miles off the coast and it will give you less time, sometimes only minutes to seek safety. A distant tsunami can be caused by an earthquake across the ocean and these can give you many more hours to prepare and are generally less destructive.

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The first rule of surviving a tsunami is when you are near the coastline and feel the earth shaking, immediately head for higher ground. When a tsunami hits, it is not just the force of the water but all the debris that is in the water that can cause injury and harm. If finding higher ground is not an option, look for a taller commercial building and try to get up on the roof or an upper floor. Also be aware, many times a series of tsunami waves can come ashore. A common mistake people make, is they wait for the first wave to pass only to be swept away when another wave comes ashore. Many areas of the coast that are prone to tsunamis, have an early warning detection system in place. Loud sirens will blast when a tsunami threat is immanent. Heed the warning and seek higher ground immediately. If you can not drive due to traffic congestion, get out and walk. Many local authorities even recommend you use vehicle when seeking safety rather they recommend walking to higher ground to avoid traffic congestion.

Places to Avoid During A Tsunami Threat

Places hit hardest when a tsunami wave comes ashore are low lying areas like harbors, and rivers that flow into the sea. A tsunami wave can often flow up rivers and creeks and cause flooding for miles. A local tsunami will often cause the ocean to recede before it comes in. Many times people will be tempted to go out and play in the tide pools unaware of what is in store. Something to keep in mind next time vacationing at the beach. Harbors are also dangerous places due to their low elevation and a powerful tsunami can throw boats around like they are play toys. During the march 2011 tsunami caused by the earthquake in Japan, an 8 foot wave surge caused millions of dollars in damage to the harbor in Crescent City California.

Tsunami Prepardness
When visiting or staying in a tsunami zone, familiarize yourself with the best routes for escape. Many times there will be tsunami evacuations signs placed near roads and highways. These signs are there to warn you of the potential danger and also direct you to safety.

Check with the local Chamber of Commerce, they often have maps that show Tsunami Hazard Zones with safe evacuation areas of higher ground in the event of a tsunami.
It is also a good idea to have a small backpack or bag with emergency rations, water and a portable radio. Keep in a location where it is easy to grab on the way out the door. For ideas on what to place in your bug out bag see my huge: Survival Gear List.

A little preparation, planing and common sense, can go a long way and make all the difference in surviving a tsunami or any other natural disaster for you and your family. It seems like almost every week brings news of a new natural disaster. In fact, several of the largest natural disasters have occurred recently. These include the earthquake and tsunami in South East Asia and Hurricane Katrina in the Southern United States. Thousands of disasters occur every year. They all dont affect thousands of people, but the impact is as dire for each one that has to experience it. Each time a disaster occurs our hearts go out to those affected. However, what can we do when we are many miles away? The following are some of the ways you might contribute to others affected by a disaster: 1. Pray. If you believe that miracles happen every day, as I do, then prayer should be at the top of your list. 2. Give Blood. There is always a need for blood. Especially when major disasters occur. Contact the Red Cross to learn about giving blood and schedule a time to donate at 1-800-GIVELIFE. 3. Send Notes. Give hope to the victims of the disaster as well as the relief workers by sending an encouraging note. If you do not have specific individuals to send to, send your notes to the local area through relief agencies, churches, schools and newspapers. 4. Volunteer. Go with a group to the location of the disaster to be a part of the rebuilding process. This could be with a local church or organization. You can also donate your time to volunteer organizations that respond to disasters. One of the first to respond is the Salvation Army. You can register your desire to volunteer by contacting your local Salvation Army office. 5. Donate Funds. Make a financial contribution to organizations that support the victims of the disaster. The Red Cross responds to thousands of disasters each year. You can donate at 1-800-HELP-NOW.

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6. Donate Items. When disaster strikes, people can be without necessities for a long time. You can help by donating some of these items. If you want to support relief efforts by providing items, one of the best ways is to build and send relief kits. The United Methodist Committee on Relief and Operation Blessing are two organizations that teach you how to make the relief kits and where to send them. You can contact these organizations at 1-800-814-8765 and 1-757-226-3401, respectively. 7. Provide Shelter. If you are a property owner with vacant rental housing, you might help those driven from their home. Contact Disaster Housing Resources Online to learn more and register your available space. 8. Have a Fundraiser. If you cannot afford to donate funds, conduct a fundraising event. The event does not need to be extravagant. I am aware of adults and kids that raised money for a cause by having a yard sale and selling lemonade. 9. Purchase Items. Shop at stores and eat at restaurants that donate a portion of their profits to support disaster relief efforts. You will discover several businesses making this kind of contribution following major disasters.

Alternative Communication Skills in Disaster Management

By Ekaete Bailey, eHow Contributor

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During a disaster, it is important to have alternative methods of communication. During an emergency or disaster, there are several alternative communication methods that individuals, employees and businesses can implement. Particularly during a disaster, it is important to have alternative strategies available. Providing communication as part of a disaster plan, as well as utilizing ham radio, social networking sites and emergency alert systems , are alternative ways to communicate during a disaster. Have a question? Get an answer from Online Tech Support now!

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