Tsunami

Tsunami

A tsunami is a catastrophic ocean wave, usually caused by a submarine earthquake, an underwater or coastal landslide, or a volcanic eruption. Waves radiate outward from the generating impulse at speeds of up to 500 miles (800 km) per hour, reaching maximum heights of 100 feet (30 metres) near coastal areas. Although often called tidal waves, the occurrence of tsunamis have no connection with tides. The word tsunami is Japanese for “harbour wave.”

   Perhaps the most destructive tsunami in recorded history was the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004. A 9.1-magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Waves as high as 30 feet (9 metres) struck the eastern coasts of India and Sri Lanka—some 750 miles (1,200 km) away—and traveled more than 1,800 miles (3,000 km) to East Africa. The final death toll was at least 225,000, mostly in Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka. The affected countries also reported extensive economic and infrastructural damage.