Tsunamis, there are those who call them the fury of the oceans. They are devastating phenomena for those areas that suffer them, reaching wave speeds close to 800 km/h. They are caused by volcanic eruptions or underground earth movements. On this day We are going to introduce you to the largest and most devastating tsunamis in the world.
The word tsunami has been gaining ground as they used to be called, tidal waves. They are produced in consequence of a vertical movement of a block of oceanic crust, leading to a subsequent displacement of large amounts of water. These natural phenomena are characterized by large and strong waves that can reach up to 30 meters.
The day November 5 of each year, since 2015 the United Nations General Assembly designated this day as the World Tsunami Awareness Day. There are thousands of people who have lost their lives because of these phenomena. They are one of the most destructive natural effects known, destroying everything that crosses their path, lives, homes, companies, entire cities.
What is a tsunami and how is it created?
First of all, we want to make it clear what this natural phenomenon is and what are the main causes that cause its appearance.
A tsunami or tidal wave, It is a wave or succession of waves that are pushed very violently by a force that moves vertically.. This natural effect can be caused by many phenomena such as large-scale explosions, earthquakes, volcanoes, coastal landslides or underground movements.
The waves that are produced in tsunamis, they can reach sizes that we would never have imagined. A strong movement under water is the cause of a whip effect that causes the creation of large waves, even reaching speeds of up to 800 km/h.
In this case, the waves don't lose height as they approach the shore, and can reach heights of over 30 meters. Typically, waves reach a height of 6 or 7 meters. They don't lose height, but they do lose speed as the ocean depths gradually decrease.
The main cause of tsunamis are earthquakes., or earth movements that occur in the depths of the sea. They experience very abrupt vertical movements, which alter the ocean. These large waves are created when bodies of water try to regain their natural balance. You can find more information in the article on the characteristics of a tsunami.
clarify, that not all earthquakes cause this type of natural phenomenon, only those that are of large magnitude and are capable of modifying the seabed. To better understand the effects that these phenomena can cause, it is important to consider information about natural disasters.
Any area near the ocean can suffer these devastating effects, but they tend to be more likely in areas of the Pacific Ocean, where high-magnitude earthquakes are more common. Some of the largest tsunamis have happened have been in the Pacific Ocean, but there have also been cases in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Tsunami Safety Rules
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First of all, is inform you if you live in a coastal area if your rulers have regulations to follow in the event of such events. If so, you must follow each of the points indicated. Next, we are going to show you some basic safety rules in case of a tsunami.
First of all, calm must be keepedIt is understood that this is an alarming and unknown situation, but we must not lose our temper. You must always be prepared, since this natural phenomenon has no date, that is, it can occur at any time.
Have a family emergency plan prepared, as well as a safety backpack with basic items such as medicines, clothing or food. It is essential that you know the areas of greatest risk In a case like this, the safe zones and places where those affected should go. To read more about this, check out our article on Environmental security.
Identify evacuation zones, both of the buildings and of the affected area or city, is essential for this process to be carried out as safely and quickly as possible.
Paying attention to any of the natural signs that may occur is very important.. Any strong earth movement that makes walking difficult, of long duration, sounds of sirens or intervention of the media by specialists or authorities. Also, there may be changes in sea level or strange sounds.
If you are suffering an earthquake must protect themselves immediately, ducking, covering and holding on. As a general rule, it is normal to protect yourself under a table or other similar object.
When the tsunami signals start appearing, you need to get out of the danger zones and get to safety. Go to a place away from the coast and preferably on highIf these evacuations are being carried out by the authorities, please follow their instructions and order of priority.
And, above all, the most important thing, once you are in a safe area do not leave it Until the top officials indicate that it's over and there's no danger. This could take hours, so don't despair.
Most devastating tsunamis in history
For many years now, there has been data on the first tsunami in history. Many of these catastrophic events have occurred in the Mediterranean region. In this section, we will focus on some of the most disastrous in recent years.
Valdivia, 1960
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Also known as the great earthquake in Chile, it occurred in May 1960. The province suffered one of the most intense earthquakes in living memory with a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale.
The tsunami caused, spread across the Pacific leaving two million people homeless and more than 6000 deaths from disastersWaves reached heights of 25 meters. You can learn more about this event in the studies on Colombian myths and other legends.
Philippines, 1976
The Gulf of Moro in the Philippines, in August 1976, live an earthquake of 8 degrees which resulted in the origin of a tsunami that wiped out the coastal areas of this area.
This tsunami, in its wake left at least 90 inhabitants homeless, nearly 9500 dead and a total of XNUMX injuredUntil that date, it was one of the deadliest tsunamis in the world. For more details on vulnerability to these phenomena, you can read about environmental vulnerability.
Columbia, 1979
An 8.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in December 1979 off the Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador. Six municipalities and hundreds of deaths were the causes of the passage of the tsunami in these areas. In addition to this damage, it left a large number of missing people, which reflects the need to know about floods and other related disasters.
Indian Ocean, 2004
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Until today, one of the most devastating tsunamis known, occurred in Indonesia in 2004. The number of victims due to this natural phenomenon reaches more than 250 thousand.
this tsunami, It was caused by an earthquake at the bottom of the seaExperts explain what happened when the Indian plate was subducted by the Burmese plate, resulting in the largest natural disaster in history. To better understand the impact of this type of phenomenon, it is recommended to read about natural phenomena.
Japan, 2011
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In March 2011, An earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale hits Japan.The energy released by this earthquake generated a tsunami known as the Great East Japan Earthquake.
They registered waves of a height of 10 meters, in one of the most devastating tsunamis with a duration of 6 minutes, leaving behind a landscape of destruction and desolation. With nearly 20 deaths and 2500 missing persons.
This phenomenon, caused a nuclear disaster at the Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plantThe earthquake caused them to melt and release radioactive discharges, which had consequences for thousands of inhabitants. For more information on the effects of these disasters, feel free to explore the topic of Greenhouse.
In recent years, more specifically in the 2018 two tsunamis were recorded in the same area. The first of them was lived in Indonesia in which a 7.0 earthquake on the Richter scale, it caused a tsunami in September of that year, leaving nearly 2000 victims.
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El another also occurred in Indonesia, was due to the eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano in December 2018, leaving 400 dead as a result of the passage of a tsunami.
There are numerous tsunami records throughout historyWe have mentioned some of the most important ones in terms of human, material and economic losses. For a more in-depth study, you can research real giant tidal waves.
It's still impossible to predict with certainty when or where a natural phenomenon of this type will occur. However, many cities located around the Pacific Ocean have certain alarm systems and evacuation plans in place in case of such a risk.
You must remember that it is very important to detect the early warning signs of a possible tsunami. Don't forget to follow the recommendations of the authorities and remain calm. Following the safety rules stipulated by experts, some of which we mentioned in a previous section, is vitally important. You must be aware of the risk that this type of natural phenomenon poses, not only to you but also to those around you based on the decisions you make.