World Tsunami Awareness Day

World Tsunami Awareness Day History

World Tsunami Awareness Day is an annual observance aimed at raising global awareness about the dangers posed by tsunamis and promoting innovative solutions for reducing tsunami risk. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, this day emphasizes the importance of collaboration, education, and preparedness in order to minimize the impacts of these devastating natural events. Coastal communities, governments, and individuals around the world use this occasion to learn about tsunami risk and reinforce best practices in managing tsunami hazards.

The idea for World Tsunami Awareness Day originated in Japan, which has experienced numerous destructive tsunamis throughout its history. For Canadians, this event carries significant relevance as the country's coastal regions are vulnerable to tsunami threats. The Pacific Coast, in particular, is located on the earthquake-prone Cascadia Subduction Zone, where powerful quakes can generate tsunamis with the potential to cause widespread devastation. In fact, historical data indicates that past tsunamis have reached as far as the British Columbia coastline. Therefore, educating the Canadian public about tsunami risk and supporting efforts to enhance preparedness and response are crucial aspects of World Tsunami Awareness Day in Canada.

In observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day, Canadian organizations and communities engage in a variety of activities, including hosting educational events, promoting best practices in disaster preparedness, and collaborating with international partners to strengthen global tsunami early warning systems. Efforts to bolster emergency planning and risk reduction measures for tsunamis are particularly important for coastal Canadians, as the threat of a major event persists. World Tsunami Awareness Day takes place each year on November 5th, providing a valuable opportunity to foster resilience against these formidable natural disasters.

World Tsunami Awareness Day facts

• By 2030, 50% of the world will live in or near coastal areas exposed to flooding, storms, or tsunamis according to the U.N.
• According to Phys.org, so far in 2023, the largest magnitude earthquake measured was a 7.8 Mw earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
• Tsunamis can travel thousands of kilometers with speeds up to 800 kilometers per hour.
• In 1964, a powerful earthquake struck in Alaska, generating a tsunami that traveled across the Pacific Ocean and reached Port Alberni, British Columbia. The event caused significant damage in the community, inundating homes and businesses, and prompting improvements in Canada's tsunami preparedness measures.
• Many Indigenous communities along the coast of British Columbia have traditional knowledge and oral histories involving tsunamis.

In the News and Trending in Canada for World Tsunami Awareness Day

Top things to do in Canada for World Tsunami Awareness Day

• Learn more about tsunamis and how to recognize signs of an approaching one. Learn how to protect yourself at Tsunami Ready.
• Research the types of natural disasters that can occur in your area. Know and understand what to do and have a plan in case of emergency.
• Coordinate with local emergency response agencies and participate in their drills or exercises. Practice evacuation procedures, inform yourself about emergency response plans, and contribute to community preparedness.
• Encourage schools, colleges, and community centers to organize educational programs or interactive sessions on tsunami awareness. Volunteer to speak at these events, sharing your knowledge and experiences.