World Tsunami Awareness Day

World Tsunami Awareness Day History

World Tsunami Awareness Day is aimed at promoting a global understanding of tsunami threats and emphasizing the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient communities. The day provides an opportunity to share experiences, information, and best practices to help nations better prepare for and respond to tsunami disasters. In this rapidly growing world, the need for adaptation and mitigation measures is crucial in order to protect lives and livelihoods from the devastating effects of tsunamis.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted World Tsunami Awareness Day in December 2015, in response to Japan's initiative and the subsequent proposal by 142 member States. For Americans, the day serves as a significant reminder of the 1964 Alaskan Earthquake and Tsunami, which devastated parts of Alaska, British Columbia, California, and Hawaii and resulted in more than 130 lives lost.

World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed through events and activities that highlight the importance of tsunami preparedness and prompt evacuation procedures, such as workshops, exhibitions, and community drills. These events are organized by various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions, in order to raise public awareness of the potential risks of tsunamis and the effective mitigation measures. World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed on November 5th.

World Tsunami Awareness Day facts

• By 2030, 50% of the world will live in or near coastal areas exposed to flooding, storms, or tsunamis according to the U.N.
• The most powerful ocean-wide tsunami happened in 1960 in Chile, reaching magnitude of 9.5.
• Tsunamis can travel thousands of kilometers with speeds up to 800 kilometers per hour.
• Tsunamis are caused by natural disasters including earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and extraterrestrial collisions.

In the News and Trending in the US for World Tsunami Awareness Day

Top things to do in the US for World Tsunami Awareness Day

• Learn more about tsunamis and how to recognize signs of an approaching one. Learn how to protect yourself at Tsunami Ready.
• Research the types of natural disasters that can occur in your area. Know and understand what to do and have a plan in case of emergency.
• Watch a movie about tsunamis. Our suggestions:
  Geostorm (2017)
  San Andreas (2015)
  The Wave (2015)
• Print out informational brochures, pamphlets, and posters highlighting important safety measures and preventive actions during tsunamis. Distribute them in schools, colleges, community centers, and other public spaces.

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