A Tsunami is a series of waves which is created when water is rapidly displaced. Water displacement can be caused by large movements above or below water such as: earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides or explosions.

The word Tsunami comes from the Japanese meaning (tsu) harbour (nami) wave, so literally Tsunami means "Harbour Wave"

Tsunamis can be devastating, Here are a few tips:

The 2004 Boxing day tsunami, click for a larger version (opens in new window)

The signs of an approaching Tsunami would not be the water to rise up as you would expect but to quickly recede exposing normally inaccessible stretches of sand , some witness’ claim to have heard a sucking sound to accompany this event. The best thing to do would be find high ground or get to the higher levels of buildings such as hotels. You should expect many waves not just one. Don’t if possible use the roads and if you can’t get to high ground find something that will float. Leave your belongings behind! What do you value more, your possessions or your life?

The most major recent Tsunami happened on boxing day 2004 and swept across the Indian ocean  and killed over 300,000 people .Some of the countries effected were : India, Sri lanka , Indonesia and Malaysia.

Click here to watch a video of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami