Tsunami Alert

[elodie21]

It seems remarkable that an earthquake of M8.8 could trigger off a tsunami which has gone racing across half the globe. Hawaii is officially danger-free as the tsunami is headed for Japan. The Russian coast is also in danger while the Philippines have also issued an alert. As of now Japan is mainly in focus, the first waves are expected to hit it

Comments

[mcgillianaire]

The power of water is indeed incredible. However from what I've been hearing on the news is that despite all the initial concerns, the tsunami to hit Japan and Russia are significantly milder. I highly doubt it will cause much actual concern.

[elodie21]

Yes just read some tweets and latest news reports, it seems nothing serious will happen and the danger is as good as over. That is a relief! :)

[smittenbyu]

Oh those thousands of miles of open ocean helps build up huge waves... or dissipate energy in no time!

The whole pacific rim has been in full collaboration mode after they have suffered severe tusnamis over the last few decades. Hawai'i's last big one was 1991 (if you ever watched Jurassic Park - first one) that looming storm was not completely computer generated.... It was Hurricane Iniki. Left Spielberg bankrupt. But anyhow, that's besides the point. Since then the whole rim has been prepared. Of course, since them they haven't had any major tsunamis! The one in 1996 turned out to be 4 inches. That photo sits in the Tsunami center as a reminder that one can never tell the power of mother nature!

This one hit Hawai'i and the average was 12 inches! But they got an opportunity to really test out their systems! Water can be an amazing force!

[elodie21]

Thats actually amazing in a way that awes us. I didn't know that was a real storm in the movie! I have to see it again!

Yes especially after 2004 they put in tsunami warning systems in place and this worked. Of course this time there was no damage as such reported but still people were evacuated to higher grounds in Japan. Saving lives is the priority and an early warning makes all the difference.

[smittenbyu]

Are you talking about systems placed in Indonesia and India? I didn't read about them. So, it's reassuring to hear if the systems are working.

The modern systems in Japan, Australia, Hawaii have been in place for over two decades now, and cultural practices have been in place for a few hundred if not longer. In fact, Hawaii tsunami center predicted the sad possibility of the Indonesia tsunami, they informed Australia, but then there was no system in place to communicate with Indonesia. Japan is rather good with their systems in place for earthquake and tsunamis. Not just alarm systems but also preventive measures - building safety, etc. They haven't suffered great human losses since Kobe earthquake.

Hope we learn from those who have been there before.