​FAQ on Tsunami

What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves that sends surges of water, sometimes reaching heights of over 100 feet  (30.5 meters), onto land. These walls of water can cause widespread destruction when they crash ashore.

What causes Tsunamis?

The most common cause is a seafloor earthquake. Other triggers are undersea landslides, undersea volcanic eruptions and even a meteorite impact. Sudden changes to the seafloor cause the ocean to flow away from the disturbance, creating waves which when reaching the coastline can be devastating. 

How do tsunami waves travel?

In the deep oean, tsunami waves travel with a speed exceeding 800 km/h and a wave height of only a few tens of centimetres or less. As they encounter shallow waters of the coast, the waves slow down and the water can pile up into a wall of destruction 10 metres or more in height.

What are the signs of a Tsunami?

Tsunami are dangerous natural hazard but do not happen very often. If you are at the beach and any of the following happens: - Tsunamis are dangerous natural hazard but do not happen very often. If you are at the beach and any of the following happens:-

1. The ground shakes strongly under your feet;

2. The ocean recedes out to sea exposing the sea bottom;

3. You hear a train like roar;

4. You hear the standard tsunami warning alert by the Authority;

Once a Tsunami is approaching what I should do?

1. Tell your relatives and friends to move quickly inland and to higher ground.

2. If you are at school and you hear of a tsunami, you should follow the advice of the teacher or school personnel.

3. The upper floor of high, multi-storey, concrete hotels or buildings in many low-lying coastal areas can provide safe place in case of a tsunami.