largest tsunami in the world

Tsunamis, there are those who call them the fury of the oceans. They are devastating phenomena for those areas that suffer them, reaching wave speeds close to 800 km/h. They are caused by volcanic eruptions or underground earth movements. On this day We are going to introduce you to the largest and most devastating tsunamis in the world.

The word tsunami has been gaining ground as they used to be called, tidal waves. They are produced in consequence of a vertical movement of a block of oceanic crust, leading to a subsequent displacement of large amounts of water. These natural phenomena are characterized by large and strong waves that can reach up to 30 meters.

The day November 5 of each year, since 2015 the General Assembly of the United Nations, designated this day as the World Tsunami Awareness Day. There are thousands of people who have lost their lives because of these phenomena. They are one of the most destructive natural effects known, destroying everything that crosses their path, lives, homes, companies, entire cities.

What is a tsunami and how is it created?

First of all, we want to make it clear what this natural phenomenon is and what are the main causes that cause its appearance.

A tsunami or tidal wave, It is a wave or succession of waves that are pushed very violently by a force that moves vertically.. This natural effect can be caused by many phenomena such as large-scale explosions, earthquakes, volcanoes, coastal landslides or underground movements.

The waves that are produced in tsunamis, they can reach sizes that we would never have imagined. A strong movement under water is the cause of a whip effect that causes the creation of large waves, even reaching speeds of up to 800 km/h.

In this case, heThe waves do not lose height when approaching the shore and can reach over 30 meters Tall. Normally, the waves usually reach a size of 6 or 7 meters. They do not lose height, but they do lose speed as the depth of the ocean becomes less and less.

The main cause of tsunamis are earthquakes., or earth movements that occur in the depths of the sea. Very sudden movements are suffered in the vertical direction, so the ocean is altered. These large waves are created when the masses of water try to recover the natural balance.

clarify, that not all earthquakes cause this type of natural phenomenon, only those that are of great magnitude and are capable of modifying the seabed.

Any area where the ocean is, can suffer this type of devastating effects, but they tend to be more likely in areas of the Pacific Ocean, where earthquakes with high magnitudes tend to be more common. Some of the largest tsunamis have happened have been in the Pacific Ocean, but there have also been cases in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

Tsunami Safety Rules

First of all, is inform you if you live in a coastal area if your rulers have regulations to follow in the event of such events. If so, you must follow each of the points indicated. Next, we are going to show you some basic safety rules in case of a tsunami.

First of all, calm must be keeped, it is understood that it is an alarming and unknown situation but we must not lose our nerves. You must always be prepared, since this natural phenomenon has no date, that is, it can occur at any time.

Have a family emergency plan prepared, as well as a safety backpack with basic objects such as medicines, clothes or food. It is imperative that know the areas of greatest risk before a case like this, the safe areas and the places where those affected should go.

Identify evacuation zones, both of the buildings and of the affected area or city, is essential for this process to be carried out as safely and quickly as possible.

Paying attention to any of the natural signs that may occur is very important.. Any strong earth movement that makes walking difficult, of long duration, sounds of sirens or intervention of the media by specialists or authorities. Also, there may be changes in sea level or strange sounds.

If you are suffering an earthquake must protect themselves immediately, ducking, covering and holding on. As a general rule, it is normal to protect yourself under a table or other similar object.

When the tsunami signals start appearing, you need to get out of the danger zones and get to safety. Go to a place away from the coast and preferably on high. If these evacuations are being carried out by the authorities, do not hesitate to follow the instructions and order preferably.

And, above all, the most important thing, once you are in a safe area do not leave it until those responsible indicate that it has happened and there is no danger. This can take even hours so do not despair.

Most devastating tsunamis in history

For many years now, data has been available on the first tsunami in history. In the Mediterranean area, many of these catastrophic events were experienced. In this section we are going to focus on some of the most disastrous in recent years.

 Valdivia, 1960

Also known as the great earthquake in Chile, it occurred in May 1960. The province suffered one of the most intense earthquakes in living memory with a magnitude of 9.5 on the Richter scale.

The resulting tsunami spread across the Pacific leaving two million people homeless and more than 6000 deaths from disasters. There were waves that reached 25 meters in height.

Philippines, 1976

The Gulf of Moro in the Philippines, in August 1976, live an earthquake of 8 degrees which resulted in the origin of a tsunami that ended with the coastal areas of this area.

This tsunami, in its wake left at least 90 inhabitants homeless, nearly 9500 dead and a total of XNUMX injured. Until that date it was one of the deadliest tsunamis in the world.

Columbia, 1979

An 8.1 magnitude earthquake took place in December 1979 on the Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador. Six municipalities and hundreds of deaths were the causes of the passage of the tsunami for these areas. In addition to these damages, he left a large number of missing persons.

Indian Ocean, 2004

Until today, one of the most devastating tsunamis known, occurred in Indonesia in 2004. The number of victims due to this natural phenomenon reaches more than 250 thousand.

this tsunami, It was caused by an earthquake at the bottom of the sea. Experts explain that it happened when the Indian plate suffered a process of subduction by the Burma plate, giving rise to the greatest natural catastrophe ever.

Japan, 2011

In March 2011, An earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale hits Japan.. The energy released by this ground movement generated a tsunami known as the Great East Japan Earthquake.

They registered waves of a height of 10 meters, in one of the most devastating tsunamis with a duration of 6 minutes, leaving behind a landscape of destruction and desolation. With nearly 20 deaths and 2500 missing persons.

This phenomenon, caused a nuclear disaster at the Fukishima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The earthquake caused them to melt and release radioactive discharges that had consequences for thousands of inhabitants.

In recent years, more specifically in the 2018 two tsunamis were recorded in the same area. The first of them was lived in Indonesia in which a 7.0 earthquake on the Richter scale, it caused a tsunami in September of that year, leaving nearly 2000 victims.

El another also occurred in Indonesia, was due to the eruption of the Anak Krakatoa volcano in December 2018, leaving 400 dead as a result of the passage of a tsunami.

There are numerous records of tsunamis throughout history, we have mentioned some of the most important in terms of human, material and economic losses.

Still, it is not possible to predict with certainty when or where a natural phenomenon of this type will occur. But, in many cities that are located around the Pacific Ocean they have certain alarm systems and evacuation planning in case there are risks of this type.

You must remember that it is very important to detect the previous signs that manifest before a possible tsunami. Do not forget to follow the recommendations of the authorities, and stay calm. Following the security rules stipulated by the experts, some of which we have mentioned in a previous point, is of vital importance. You must be aware of the risk that this type of natural phenomenon poses, not only for you but for those around you based on the decisions you make.