Tsunami Strikes Solomon Islands, But All Residents Survive
It appears that safety drills and better public information have spared the nation the loss of life that typically accompanies these events.
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January 7, 2010
Dive shop owner Danny Kennedy lives in the provincial capital Gizo on Solomon Islands, a nation that was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that triggered landslides and a tsunami of up to 10 feet. It caused significant devastation but so far no casualties, according to media reports.
Solomon Islands are located along The Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean where about 90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur and where thousands of people have died over the years due to tsunami. Fortunately, it appears that safety drills and better public information have spared the nation the loss of life that typically accompanies these events.
The village of Retavo was completely inundated by a wall of water, but the National Disaster Management Office spokesman said no deaths had been reported there, according to Associated Press. Similarly, 10 foreign tourists on Tetepare Island had been evacuated in time.
Danny Kennedy told the news provider the outcome may be attributed to the rule that says that "if there's more than 20 seconds of shaking or any sea water recedes, head for the hills," and that the residents abide by.
Since the West Coast of the U.S. is in danger of a tsunami, residents should know the warning signs and procedures to follow to reduce the risk of losing their lives.
According to Preparedness.com, a rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is a sign of an approaching tsunami. When a warning is issued, residents should move at once to higher ground and stay there until authorities say it is safe to return.
Those living in areas prone to natural disasters should maintain an emergency kit that includes a supply of food and drinking water, basic medicines and a battery-operated radio.
Preparedness resources can also be found on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, while donations for victims are accepted through the Red Cross.
Dive shop owner Danny Kennedy lives in the provincial capital Gizo on Solomon Islands, a nation that was struck by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake that triggered landslides and a tsunami of up to 10 feet. It caused significant devastation but so far no casualties, according to media reports.
Solomon Islands are located along The Ring of Fire around the Pacific Ocean where about 90 percent of the world's earthquakes occur and where thousands of people have died over the years due to tsunami. Fortunately, it appears that safety drills and better public information have spared the nation the loss of life that typically accompanies these events.
The village of Retavo was completely inundated by a wall of water, but the National Disaster Management Office spokesman said no deaths had been reported there, according to Associated Press. Similarly, 10 foreign tourists on Tetepare Island had been evacuated in time.
Danny Kennedy told the news provider the outcome may be attributed to the rule that says that "if there's more than 20 seconds of shaking or any sea water recedes, head for the hills," and that the residents abide by.
Since the West Coast of the U.S. is in danger of a tsunami, residents should know the warning signs and procedures to follow to reduce the risk of losing their lives.
According to Preparedness.com, a rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is a sign of an approaching tsunami. When a warning is issued, residents should move at once to higher ground and stay there until authorities say it is safe to return.
Those living in areas prone to natural disasters should maintain an emergency kit that includes a supply of food and drinking water, basic medicines and a battery-operated radio.
Preparedness resources can also be found on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, while donations for victims are accepted through the Red Cross.
