Dangerous Floods Caused By Hurricanes And Tsunamis

On the morning after Christmas Day 2004, a powerful earthquake measured at 9 on the Richter scale rocked the Indian Ocean and caused a multitude of damage and deaths in 11 countries bordering that ocean. At the end of August 2005, a hurricane by the name of Katrina appeared to be a Category 1 hurricane but quickly changed to a Category 3 by the time it arrived in Louisiana. The result? Over 1,800 people died directly from the hurricane and indirectly from the flooding. In Sanriku, Japan in March 1933, a powerful tsunami killed over 3,000 people and blasted through 9,000 buildings. Its waves were so powerful that it was felt in San Francisco, California and Chile, both 9,000 miles away from Japan.

Throughout the course of history, numerous hurricanes and tsunamis caused by underwater earthquakes have accounted to millions upon millions of deaths, millions of damaged structures, and billions in damage costs to repair and rebuild a city or town. As sad and as dangerous as it is, hurricanes and earthquakes are simply a part of reality and the natural habit of the earth. Earthquakes have in the past created mountains, valleys, and shaped the terrain of what we see today on our land.

Sometimes, little is known about the earthquake that happened in the middle of the ocean until it is too late, but even if there is ample time to give out a warning of the impending doom and destruction, spectators might still gather around the shore and watch the waves in awe until they realize it is too late and that they should not have been standing so close to the water. It is often said that curiosity killed the cat, and that is very true in cases like these. A countless number of deaths have occurred because the spectators did not heed to warnings and seek refuge on higher ground. Water is fascinating and a sight to behold, but when those waves are coming fast and strong, they are no longer a beauty but a threat.

When there is threat of flooding from tsunamis and hurricanes and a warning has been issued, it is imperative that you evacuate the area immediately. Gather your important documents, such as your social security card, marriage certificate, birth certificate, deeds, and identification paperwork, a few days' worth of clothing, a first aid kit, some gallons of water, and food. Make sure you also have the contact numbers of all of your family and friends. Seek higher ground or evacuate the city immediately and find a place to stay in a location where the hurricane or the tsunami cannot reach you.