World Tsunami Awareness Day

World Tsunami Awareness Day History

World Tsunami Awareness Day is an annual observance designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the devastating impact that tsunamis can have on communities worldwide. The primary purpose of this day is to promote a global culture of preparedness, resilience, and collaboration in order to reduce the loss of lives and the destruction caused by tsunamis. Recognising the importance of early warning systems, risk assessments, and robust disaster risk management and mitigation tools are some of the key aspects emphasized in this awareness campaign.

While tsunamis are relatively rare in New Zealand, the country's location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and its active tectonic plate boundaries make it vulnerable to both local and distant tsunamis. The observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day is particularly relevant to New Zealanders as it serves as an opportunity to remember past events, such as the 1868 South American and 1960 Chilean tsunamis that led to loss of life and property along New Zealand's coastlines. By participating in this event, New Zealanders contribute their knowledge and experience to the global conversation on mitigating risks from natural disasters.

In New Zealand, World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed through various awareness campaigns, educational programs, and engagement activities led by government agencies and local organizations. Such initiatives aim to increase public awareness of tsunami hazards and encourage communities to develop and implement their own preparedness plans. New Zealand joins in the global observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day on the 5th of November each year, promoting a resilient and prepared nation that is capable of confronting the challenges posed by tsunamis.

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.
• The first scientifically recorded tsunami in New Zealand occurred in the Bay of Plenty in 1848, after an earthquake near Antarctica.
• Due to the potential for locally-generated tsunamis to reach the coast within minutes, residents are urged to self-evacuate without waiting for an official warning. This is especially important for areas closer to the source of the tsunami, where there may not be enough time for an official warning to be issued.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Research and donate to organizations that are actively involved in tsunami awareness and disaster mitigation efforts. Your contribution can help fund educational programs, early warning systems, and relief efforts in tsunami-prone areas.
• Offer your time and skills to assist in organizing or participating in local tsunami preparedness drills. These drills simulate emergency situations, allowing residents to practice evacuation procedures and raising overall awareness.