The increase in the number of tsunamis and tropical storms around the globe every year has taken the world by surprise. The havoc a tsunami wrecks, leads to fatalities in thousands and damages property worth millions. Skymet weather forecasters say “Around 70 to 80 tropical storms are normal in a year but the increase in the number and intensity of these storms show the change in global weather pattern that could be very dangerous for mankind”
Though alert warnings are issued to the masses as to when and with how much intensity a storm could strike, there are measures and guidelines that must be followed to be prepared for a calamity beforehand. Follow these simple tips to know what to do when a tsunami strikes:
‘Before’ a tsunami
a) People who live in the coastal areas suffer maximum loss due to a storm. So if you’re one of them, find out from your council about tsunami risks in your area and local warning arrangements.
b) Be prepared to survive on your own with the help of your emergency kit for your home and car that will include food supplies, medicines, torch and a radio.
c) Move inland to higher grounds immediately and stay there. If you live right at the coast, leaving your house is a must.
d) If there is a noticeable recession in the water away from the shoreline, this is considered “nature’s tsunami warning”, if you witness this, move away immediately and report to the local authorities.
e) Ships already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until advised to proceed.
f) Check that your neighbors too are aware of the situation.
g) If you cannot escape the tsunami, go to the upper-storey of a sturdy building or climb onto a roof or go up a big tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives.
h) If you have a disabled person with you, who has special needs, make arrangements with your local support network to alert you of any warnings and emergency broadcasts well in time.
‘After’ a tsunami
a) Never go sightseeing. Never go to the shore to see the tsunami. Always wait for the "all clear" before returning to the coast. Sea waves can be very high with gusty winds.
b) Stay out of a building that has partly submerged in water – tsunami waters can cause buildings to sink and collapse
c) But if re-entering homes and buildings, use extreme caution as floodwaters may have damaged it. This could cause a short circuit thus causing health risks.
d) If your property is damaged, take notes for insurance and money recovery purposes. (Note: A house insurance is a must have)
e) Check food supplies that have come in contact with floodwater. These should be thrown out because there are high chances of contamination.
The 2004 tsunami in Asia killed 280,000 people, many of which were tourists. So in case of a sudden storm, these simple tips will also protect travelers, vacationing in coastal areas as they will know how to be safe during a tsunami.
Photo by Leslie Barrie.
