Dear Friends,

We have all been terribly shocked by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. It was an undersea earthquake that occurred on Boxing Day. The earthquake generated a tsunami that was among the deadliest disasters in modern history. At a magnitude of 9.0, it was the largest earthquake since the 9.2 magnitude Good Friday Earthquake off Alaska in 1964.

A tsunami is a series of waves most commonly caused by an earthquake beneath the sea floor. Tsunamis can occur at any time of the day or night, under any and all weather conditions, and in all seasons. A strong off-shore earthquake may generate a tsunami.

If we feel the ground shake, we must evacuate inland or move to high ground immediately. When an earthquake occurs far away, alarming and population warning systems can save many human lives.

In coastal areas, the largest subduction zone earthquake may kill fewer people than the tsunami that follows. An earthquake may serve as a warning that a tsunami is coming, and so may a rapid fall or rise in coastal waters. Play it safe, even if warnings seem ambiguous or you think the danger has passed. The next wave may be bigger, and the tsunami may last for hours. Move uphill or at least inland, away from the coast. Abandon belongings. Save your life, not your possessions. Only if trapped and unable to reach high ground, go to an upper story of a sturdy building or get on its roof. As a last resort, climb up a strong tree if trapped on low ground. If swept up by a tsunami, look for something to use as a raft. A large earthquake can leave nearby coastal areas lowered, allowing tidal water to flood them.

Actually, out in the deep ocean, far from land, the waves are not very large, but as the tsunami approaches land, the waves become larger and more dangerous. A small wave only 12 inches high out in the deep ocean may grow into a monster wave 100 feet high as it reaches a shore line.

Do not forget the things people must do when an earthquake occurs near the coast:

1. Drop, Cover and Hold
    
2. Get under a sturdy object and hold on
    
3. When the shaking is over, move to high ground or inland. Do not wait for an official warning
    
4. Be alert for aftershocks, and stay away from the coast. Waves may continue to arrive for hours.

It is imperative now, that the memories of this terrible disaster are fresh in our minds, to put in place an effective detecting, communications, alarming system in order to timely predict tsunamis following undersea earthquakes. You will find more useful information in the article of our 23rd monthly Progressive Newsletter Tsunami: Measures for prevention of disasters in the Mediterranean sea  that I am sure you will find interesting.

Lets hope that actions that we shall take now will prevent future losses of human lives.

Takis A. Haggiandreou
Director

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Nobody knows when the next undersea earthquake will take place and will cause killer tsunamis. The magnitude of the catastrophe that we have witnessed, imperatively impose the installation and organization of alarming and communication systems for the timely detection of tsunamis.

Our Quote:

"The tree on the mountain takes whatever the weather brings. If it has any choice at all, it is in putting down roots as deeply as possible."  

Corrie Ten Boom