CBSE Class 10 Answered
Dear Kriya,
Some Facts about Tsunami
Tsunami is a giant sea wave which is caused mainly due to earthquakes occurring under sea. Tsunamis may be as high as 15m .
When an earthquake or a volcanic activity takes place, large amount of water may get displaced. The displaced water forms waves. These waves when approach the shallow water in the coastal areas, becomes high and crashes onto the shore. Tsunami cause widespread destruction of lives and property.
Tsunami in the Indian Ocean: In 2004, an earthquake measuring 9 on a Richter scale led to destructive tsunamis on to the coasts of the south east Asian countries. The tsunami caused large scale destruction in Indonesia, Thailand, northwest coast of Malaysia, Bangladesh, Maldives, and India. Tsunamis travelled at a speed of 800 km/ hour. The Indira Point in Andaman and Nicobar Islands was completely submerged in water as a result of the giant waves. In India, the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry and Andaman Nicobar Islands were affected.
Precautions to be taken during Tsunamis
- If living in coastal regions, one should stay alert for tsunami warnings.
- Find out if your home is in danger area. Know about the height of your street above sea level and distance of street from the coast. Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers.
- Plan an evacuation route which leads to higher ground.
- Know the warning sign of tsunami: rapidly rising or falling coastal waters and rumbling of an offshore earthquake.
- A tsunami is a series of waves. Do not return to affected coastal area until authorities declare it to be safe.
- Keep yourself informed and listen to televisions and radio for further information.