World Tsunami Awareness Day 2023: Annually, World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed on November 5. Japan is regarded as the originator of this observance due to its recurrent, severe tsunami experiences. It has amassed considerable expertise over time in areas such as early warning of tsunamis, public action, and disaster recovery in an effort to mitigate future effects. This day was designated by the United Nations to bring attention to the significance of tsunami education in order to encourage communities to respond calmly and decisively to warnings of impending tsunamis.
World Tsunami Awareness Day History
The United Nations, by means of resolution 70/23, officially designated November 5, 2015, as World Tsunami Awareness Day on December 22, 2015. Tsunamis, despite their infrequency, rank among the most destructive and perilous natural catastrophes. They lack territorial boundaries as their impact extends beyond littoral communities. Additionally, they infiltrate and devastate communities and cities situated in geographical distance from the coast.
Coastal communities are particularly susceptible to the detrimental effects of tsunamis. Natural indicators frequently serve as precursors to approaching tsunamis, despite their perilous nature. It could be the result of intense ground motion, volcanic eruptions, or an unusually deep receding sea that exposes the seafloor. Fostering international collaboration is critical in the effort to increase worldwide consciousness regarding efficacious measures, policies, and approaches to mitigate vulnerability to this category of natural catastrophe.
In the past century, approximately 58 tsunamis have claimed over 260,000 lives, more than any other natural catastrophe. A consequence of the Indian Ocean tsunami that occurred in December 2004 was the highest mortality toll in the past century. The pandemic resulted in an estimated 227,000 fatalities across fourteen countries, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. Three weeks subsequent to the aforementioned tsunami, a convening of governments in Kobe, Japan, facilitated the adoption of the Hyogo Framework for Action over a ten-year period. The first comprehensive international agreement on disaster risk reduction was established with this accord.
Increasing tourism and rapid urbanization in tsunami-prone areas are endangering an even greater number of individuals. For this reason, it is critical that every effort be made by the international community to substantially reduce disaster-related fatalities.
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FAQs for World Tsunami Awareness Day
Why is it critical to maintain awareness regarding tsunamis?
In order to save lives, coastal communities must be aware that a tsunami could reach mere minutes after a magnitude-five earthquake.
Recent tsunamis, if any?
Near the South Sandwich Islands, in August 2021, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake generated a tsunami that had far-reaching consequences on an international scale.
Is it possible to avert tsunamis?
Although it is impossible to completely prevent tsunamis, their destructive effects can be mitigated by communities that are informed of the dangers, receive timely alerts, and know how to react.
Observing World Tsunami Awareness Day: A Guide
Observe a film concerning tsunamis.
There are numerous films that can serve as educational resources regarding the peril of tsunamis. “After the Wave” and “The Impossible” are two excellent examples.
Attend a tsunami-related educational seminar.
A number of nations organize events to increase public consciousness regarding tsunamis. Attend one to acquire knowledge.
Consider your options in the case of a tsunami.
Consider what you would do if you were in close proximity to the location that is about to be affected by a tsunami warning. With the limited understanding you have gained thus far, consider your course of action in order to formulate a contingency strategy should the unexpected occur.
Five Tsunamis Facts that you likely did not know
The term “tsunami” is Japanese in origin.
“Tsunami” is a Japanese term that means “harbour wave” (‘tsu’ denotes the harbor and ‘nami’ signifies the wave), symbolizing the country’s historical susceptibility to tsunamis.
Termite Waves
Additionally, tsunamis are referred to as “killer waves.”
Tsunamis consist of multiple waves.
Generally, the initial wave of a tsunami is the weakest; subsequent waves increase in size and intensity.
Seismic activity has a high erosion potential.
Beaches may be stripped of sediment that has accumulated over an extended period of time, and trees and other coastal vegetation may be undermined.
Tsunamis are exceptionally lengthy.
The maximum length of a tsunami is one hundred kilometers.
WORLD TSUNAMI AWARENESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 5 | Sunday |
| 2024 | November 5 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 5 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 5 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 5 | Friday |
