Although March 27 through April 2 is generally recognized as Tsunami Preparedness Week, different states designate different times (though most choose March and April). Those who live on the U.S. East Coast are used to hurricane preparedness, preparing for tsunamis is very different. Some Americans live in higher risk areas for tsunamis, while others may visit one either for pleasure or business.
According to the National Weather Service, a tsunami is one the most powerful and destructive natural forces. It is a series of waves (not just one) caused by a large and sudden disturbance of the sea. Tsunami waves radiate outward in all directions from the disturbance and can move across entire ocean basins. Most tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, but can also be caused by landslides, volcanic activity, certain types of weather and meteorites. Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis.
Luckily, tsunamis are the rarest of Earth’s natural hazards. Each year, a couple of tsunamis cause damage near their source. Although they can strike any U.S. coast, the greatest risk is for states and territories fronting the Pacific or Caribbean. They have no season.
Unlike hurricanes — which we usually can track its path and prepare for in the days before landfall — warnings before tsunamis are often short.
Like hurricanes, there are several levels of warnings:
For further information, go to http://tsunamizone.org/.
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