What Is Tsunami

 

Imagine you’re standing on a peaceful beach. The sun is shining, and the waves gently lap at the shore. Suddenly, the water begins to disappear.

This is what happened to thousands of people along the coasts of Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka on December 26, 2004. It was a day that changed their lives forever. Just minutes later, a wall of water, as high as a five-story building, rushed inland and destroyed everything in its path. Over 230,000 people lost their lives across 14 countries. This wasn’t just a big wave. This was a tsunami.

What Exactly Is a Tsunami?

A tsunami (pronounced soo-nah-mee) is not just one giant wave. It is a series of powerful sea waves caused by the sudden movement of a large volume of water. This usually happens due to undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or even landslides.

Think of it this way. When you throw a stone into a calm pond, ripples form and spread out in circles. Now, imagine throwing a mountain into the ocean. The shock waves would be incredibly powerful. That’s what a tsunami is: ripples from a massive geological event.

Causes of Tsunami

Here are the primary triggers”

·       Underwater Earthquakes – More than 80% of tsunamis are caused by tectonic activity.

·       Volcanic Eruptions – A sudden eruption under the ocean can push water upward.

·       Landslides – Especially from coastal cliffs or underwater slopes.

·       Glacier Calving – In polar regions, sudden collapse can displace water violently.

Recent Data: Are Tsunami Still a Threat?

Yes very much

·       In 2022, a large volcanic eruption in Tonga caused a tsunami. The wave traveled across the Pacific, impacting New Zealand, Japan, and some areas of the U.S. west coast.

·       Japan, even though it is one of the most prepared countries for tsunamis, still encountered destruction during the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. This disaster resulted in the deaths of over 18,000 people and caused the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

According to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, more than 750 million people live in areas at risk of tsunamis. Climate change and increased seismic activity are making this threat worse, not better.

Real Life Experiences

Rina’s Story – Banda Aceh, Indonesia (2004):

I remember the sea pulling back. Everyone ran toward the wet sand to pick up fish. I followed them. Then someone screamed. When I turned, I saw it—a wall of water. I lost my entire family in minutes.

Kenji’s Story – Japan (2011):

“We had seconds. The alarm went off on my phone. I grabbed my daughter and ran to the rooftop. We watched our car, our house, everything, swept away. But we were alive.”

How To Stay Safe

Whether you live near the ocean or are just visiting, being aware can save your life.

·       Know the Signs: If the sea suddenly pulls back or you feel a strong earthquake, move inland and uphill right away.

·       Listen to Alerts. Use apps like Disaster Alert, MyShake, or NDMA India's alert system.

·       Have an Emergency Kit: water, first aid supplies, flashlight, power bank, whistle, food bars, and important documents.

·       Know Your Evacuation Route. Many coastal areas have blue tsunami evacuation signs. Follow them.

·       Educate Children: Schools in Japan regularly hold tsunami drills. These drills have saved thousands of lives.

Final Thought

Tsunamis remind us that even with all our technology, nature still has tremendous power. Awareness, education, and preparedness can make the difference between life and death.