Tsunami

Know your Tsunami

Tsunamis are a series of long-wavelength, long-period ocean waves that are primarily caused by earthquakes occurring below or near the seafloor. It is also less frequently caused by underwater volcanic eruptions, landslides, slumps and meteorites.

Tsunamis are not surfing waves, and are not entertainment. It is important to be aware of Tsunami facts. This knowledge can save your life.

Here are other Tsunami facts for you to share with your friends and family:

• Not all earthquakes cause tsunamis but many do. When you know that an earthquake has occurred, stand by for a tsunami emergency message.
• A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves carrying a massive volume of water that can flood and inundate land for hours. The first wave may not be the largest. Stay out of danger areas until an “all-clear” is issued by the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geo-science Department
• Boats and canoes are safer from tsunami damage while in the deep ocean rather than moored in a harbor. Don’t try to take your boat out to sea if the wave is close. Leave your boat at the pier or beach and physically move to higher ground.
• ALL tsunamis are potentially dangerous, do not be fooled if the wave height is low! Do not try to surf a tsunami
• During a tsunami emergency, the VMGD, NDMO, police, and the other emergency organisations will try to save your life. Give them your fullest cooperation.

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Signs of a Tsunami

Noticing the signs of a tsunami is key to ensuring swift evacuation of you and your loved ones. Here are some things to take note of:

• Strong earthquake
  Did you FEEL the ground shaking severely? Strong local earthquakes may cause tsunamis
• Sea water recedes along coasts
  Did you SEE the water receding? As a tsunami approaches shorelines, water may recede from the coast, exposing the ocean floor, reefs and fishes. Do not go out to collecting any thing on the reef!
• A deep roaring sound from the sea
  HEAR the roar? You may hear abnormal ocean activity, a wall of water, and approaching tsunami create a loud “roaring” sound similar to that of a train or jet aircraft.
• Animals behave strangely
  Often animals such as birds or dogs behave differently when they sense an approaching tsunami.

Be conscious if you live, work, play or transit a coastal low lying area or tsunami evacuation zone. Do not wait for a tsunami warning to be issued if you feel the earth shake while at the beach or near the ocean.

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During an approaching Tsunami

If there are warnings for an approaching Tsunami, take them seriously. Here’s what you can expect when a Tsunami is approaching:

• Expect many waves
  The next wave may be bigger, and the tsunami may last for hours
• Don’t wait for official evacuation orders
  Obey the natural signs of an approaching tsunami and RUN if you see a tsunami coming!
• Head for high ground and stay there
  Move uphill or at least inland, away from the coast.If you are trapped and unable to reach high ground, go to an upper story of a strong building or get on it’s roof. As a last resort, climb up a strong tree if trapped on low ground.
• Abandon belongings
  Save your life, not your possessions
• Don’t count on the roads
  When fleeing a tsunami caused by a nearby earthquake, you may find roads broken or blocked.
• Climb onto something that floats
  If swept up by a tsunami, look for something to use as a raft.
• Expect the waves to leave debris
  A tsunami will leave behind sand, the remains of houses and bodies
• Expecting earthquakes to lower or up-lift coastal land
  A large earthquake can leave nearby coastal areas lowered, allowing tidal water to flood them
• Expect company
  Shelter your neighbours

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Understanding of Tsunami Signage and Information Board

Tsunami Signage is an integral part of a tsunami risk management system. Signage is an effective Mechanism for public education on the risk posed by tsunamis and the appropriate response to a Tsunami event. Tsunami Signage are significant contribution to the management of the risk posed by tsunamis by assisting the execution of evacuation plans. As a consequence, tsunami risk management is strengthened by the alignment of tsunami signage, public education, and response planning. Development of a national standard towards tsunami signage is intended to support both public education and preparation. Maximisation of commonality of signage across the community assist recognition and understanding of the signage by tourists and travellers. A national standard would enable public education at the national level to provide examples of tsunami signage.

Tsunami information boards assist communities of the risk and appropriate respond to enable effective respond to a tsunami warning or tsunami event. The information has the following content

• Tsunami hazards characteristics
• Tsunami evacuation guidance
• Warnings and response information
• Evacuation zones in Red, Brown and Yellow of likely inundation and evacuation routes in Blue Arrows. Evacuation Zones or Danger Zone, Safe Route and Safe Location.

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