Countermeasures

Damage to Tsunami and Its Countermeasures

Even though tsunamis do not occur very often, and most are small and cause little if any damage, they are a major threat to coastal communities. Tsunamis typically cause the most severe damage and casualties very near their source. Most tsunami damage and destruction are caused by flooding, wave impacts, erosion, strong currents, and floating debris (e.g., trees, structures, vehicles, and other things that can act like battering rams). The water can be just as dangerous, if not more so, as it returns to the sea, taking debris and people with it.

Small tsunamis, non-destructive and undetectable without specialized equipment, happen almost every day as a result of minor earthquakes and other events. They are very often too far away from land. Or they are too small to have any effect when they hit the shore. When a small tsunami comes to the coastland it is often seen as a strong and fast-moving tide.

However, when tsunami waves become extremely large in height, they savagely attack coastlines, causing devastating property damage and loss of life. A small wave only 30 centimeters high in the deep ocean may grow into a monster wave 30m high as it sweeps over the shore. The effects can be further amplified where a bay, harbor, or lagoon funnels the waves as they move inland. Large tsunamis have been known to rise to over 100 feet.

Specific Site Planning Strategies to Reduce Tsunami Risk

Once a tsunami has been formed, there is no way to stop it; but with an effective warning system in place, people can be evacuated. And reducing the damage caused by a tsunami is certainly achievable.

1. Avoid Inundation Areas: Site Buildings or infrastructure away from hazard areas or locate on a high point.

2. Slow Water: Forests, ditches, slopes, or berms can slow down waves and filter out debris. The success of this method depends on correctly estimating the force of the tsunami.

3. Steering: Water can be steered to strategically placed angled walls, ditches, and paved roads. Theoretically, porous dikes can reduce the impact of violent waves.

4. Blocking: Walls, hardened terraces, berms, and parking structures can be built to block waves. The house and household in a wide community context such as whether it is a majority or minority situation, the conflict situation, and ownership issues.

The best defense against any tsunami is an early warning that allows people to seek higher ground.

Lung damage from volcanic ash (countermeasure)

Volcanic ash can be especially harmful to children, older adults, and people with lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

At Home:

• Put air conditioners on the recirculation setting so the air from the outside will get into the room.

• Stay inside until the dust settles, with doors, windows, and fireplace dampers shut.

If you go outside:

Don't count on a dust mask. Ordinary dust masks, designed to filter out large particles, will not help as they still allow the more dangerous smaller particles to pass through.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

If you have symptoms, such as:

• Wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty taking a full breath

• Chest heaviness

• Lightheadedness

• Dizziness
  

Please visit the hospital and take medicine.