Information Kit for the Caribbean Media TSUNAMIS and Other Coastal Hazards 28th October 2009 To promote scientific understanding and safety in the Eastern Caribbean. Tsunami & Other Coastal Hazards Warning System Project Information Kit for the Caribbean Media Monique Johnson

Information on tsunamis and other coastal hazards (Introduction) Capacity of a single event to create mass devastation to an entire region – Dec. 2004 event. Coastal hazards, population trends and coastal development creating a vulnerable region. Past hurricane and tsunami disaster statistics (CDEMA) and projected losses for future events.

Tsunami risks in the Caribbean Infrequent events with limited predictability pose the greatest risk of disaster. Onset speed of a tsunami event. Possibility of tsunamis within the Caribbean; Earthquakes (seismicity map) Volcanic eruptions and associated landslides (Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano) Teletsunami events (historical occurrences)

Tsunamis in the Caribbean Sources: O’Loughlin and Lander (2003, 2006) Mercado Irizarry and Liu (2006) Seismic Research Unit, John Sheppard et al (1995) Norwegian Geological Institute, Bungum and Lindholm (2007) Tsunamis generated by earthquakes in the Caribbean Teletsunamis that have affected the Caribbean Tsunamis generated by Volcanic eruptions in the Caribbean Draft format – proposing to illustrate these events on a map and an associated timeline of the events. Sources: O’Loughlin and Lander 2003, 2006 Mercado Irizarry and Liu 2006 Seismic Research Unit John Shepard et al 1995 Bungum and Lindholm 2007 Scenarios for earthquake induced tsunamis – Norwegian Geological Institute

Characteristics of a tsunamis & natural warning signs Tsunami science – wave behavior in open water and transformation as it approaches the coast. Wave energy and inundation; destructive capacity. Loss of lives and destruction to property. Natural warning signs Earthquake Withdrawal of the shoreline (and possibility of no withdrawal) Evacuate

Other Coastal Hazards Pacific scenario – disappearing islands Climate change and storm frequency Storm surge phenomena Interaction between these elements, sea level rise and the increasing vulnerability of coastal areas.

Coastal set back Importance of set back in reducing damage to structures How to establish the “safe” distance for building Storm and Hurricane preparedness Importance of risk reduction techniques in reducing impact of hazards and creation of disasters

Frequently Asked Questions Can set the context of the document Adapted from the SRC educational magazine (2001). Includes information on; Tsunami definitions – distinction from tides and normal waves, teletsunamis etc. Causes of tsunamis – Earthquakes, Volcanoes Tsunami Early Warning Systems – Monitoring, Developments Caribbean vulnerability – Kick’em Jenny, Cumbre Vieja

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami The importance of an early warning system. Magnitude of the event and scale of destruction and loss of lives. Survivor reports of the event – receding ocean and inability to act… Returning to the beach also cost many lives. To be enhanced with photographs and visual aids illustrating the event.

2009 Samoan Tsunami The role of education in saving lives. Brief comparison to the 2004 event – physical conditions, speed of onset, population. Time taken for first bulletins and alerts to be issued (18 minutes). Time taken for the arrival of the first wave (13-25 minutes). Challenge of early warning system. Must be coupled with Education to save lives.

Messages the Media should give to the public Adapted from CDEMA Disaster Media Kit, includes; Key messages – Feel, see, hear, run and don’t return. Preparedness – Know safe zones, share information, emergency supplies In an event – What to know, what to do, where to go After an event – basic post disaster safety information, precautions and sanitation guidelines.

TSUNAMI GLOSSARY Tsunami Glossary Adapted from the ITIC 2006 Glossary. May stand on its own as a 45 page document Can be modified and condensed (2pages) to be included in the Media Kit and other reference material TSUNAMI GLOSSARY Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO International Tsunami Information Centre UNESCO 2006

Brochures/ Pamphlets

Thank You