Deep in the Danger: The Danger of Tsunamis

by Heidi & Georgia
Published March 28, 2025

We have all heard of tsunamis, but do you know just how dangerous they really are? More than 250,000 people have died from them.  Did you know that tsunamis can speed across the ocean at an amazing rate of 970 kmh! Tsunami is a  Japanese word meaning “great harbour wave.” Read more to find the danger of tsunamis. 

You might be wondering what the most dangerous tsunami was ever globally. The Indian Ocean Tsunami was the most deadly and dangerous tsunami ever recorded. On Boxing Day, December 26, 2004, an earthquake hit Northern Sumatra, India with a magnitude of 9.2 -- 9.3Mw. The earthquake was so powerful that it caused a tsunami that was 167ft (55.6667yards) tall.  Out of the 250,000 people that have died because of tsunamis, 230,000 people of those people died from the Indian tsunami. After the tsunami ended, the total cost of the damage was 13 billion dollars. Most of that money was spent on Indonesia because Indonesia was the worst hit country from the boxing day tsunami. The total time of the tsunami was seven hours long. The 2004 tsunami was the worst tsunami to happen globally and it took a toll on India. 

 If you ever happen to be in a tsunami, worse or better than this, here are some survival facts you should know. Number one, if the tsunami was caused by an earthquake then you should drop, hide, cover, and hold on to something so you're protected. Number two, if you see the ocean waters draining and rising, then a tsunami is probably on its way. Number three, get to high grounds as fast as you can. These tips are very important if you are in a tsunami. If you actually are, follow these wisely and be detailed to keep yourself safe.

After a tsunami, a lot of the community in the affected area is sometimes destroyed.  Some effects that tsunamis have on the land is erosion, movement of large objects such as large rocks, and flooding in an area. Most of the houses and buildings in that community would be destroyed. Tsunamis have a big impact on the community, destroying much of it.

In a community, the people get affected negatively by tsunamis when they hit. Many die because of them. Flooding is an example of something that can happen when a tsunami hits and it can lead to many people drowning.  The water level after flooding can be up to 10 feet high. Little kids and people that can not swim would have a hard time getting out of the water if it was that high. After a while they would drown and die.  Tsunamis are so dangerous that when they come many people lose their lives!

In conclusion, we can see that tsunamis are very dangerous. Just keep in mind if near a spot that is known for tsunamis to pay attention to the ocean.