This National Geographic segment shows what would happen if a massive landslide should occur from the Big island of Hawaii.
There is an old saying that goes: “those who do not learn from their past are doomed to repeat it.” More than just a high school history teacher’s warning to his students in reference to summer school, this quote has a certain absolute truth to it. Tsunamis are a natural force that bring destruction and often death, but we can prevent at least some of the damage and loss of life, if we take the time to learn from tsunamis throughout history. Some of the most devastating tidal waves in history have occurred in Chile, Hawaii, and Japan. Learn More About Surviving A Tsunami—Lessons from Chile, Hawaii, and Japan >>>
A tsunami is most often caused by a coastal or ocean floor earthquake, although massive underwater and shore-based landslides can also cause a tsunami. While tsunamis are sometimes called tidal waves, they actually are not tidal waves, as their formation and activity are not based on tide or wind. Hawaii has been victim to dozens of tsunamis over the past two hundred years, two of the most destructive it has ever faced happening in the middle of the twentieth century. In 1946, a tsunami traveled from seismic activity in the Aleutian Islands, sending waves over 30 feet high down upon Hilo and the rest of Hawaii’s coast. In 1960, the Chilean earthquake—still the highest magnitude earthquake recorded caused the loss of several lives and millions of dollars in property damage. Learn More About Past Hawaii Tsunamis >>>
There are a variety of things you should do to prepare yourself and your loved ones for a tsunami. Whether just visiting or living in Hawaii, being prepared for the real and natural disaster present from tsunamis is a good rule of thumb. History shows that common sense, quick thinking, and preparedness are the way to survive any natural disaster, and tsunamis are no exception to the rule. In those times, though, when chaos ensues, there are things we should know and things we should do, which will only come with being ready for the worst. People who aren’t prepared make costly mistakes, which can lead to greater injury, danger, and even death. Learn More About Keys to Surviving a Tsunami in Hawaii: Tsunami Preparedness Guide >>>
An earthquake with the magnitude of 8.1 in the Richter scale rocked the northern part of Japan. An alarm has been sent all over the Pacific for an imminent tsunami. Scientists in Hawaii studied the path of Hawaii. In the mean time, the report has reached as far as Alaska. However, no evacuation has been issued. A scientist leading in the tsunami watch cancelled their warnings over the coast of Hawaii. The tsunami is only less than a meter in height when it will reach Hawaii. Learn More About November 15, 2006: A Small tsunami hits Hawaii >>>
The tsunami that happened on this day was considered to be the most destructive to be recorded in Hawaii in the 20th century. Prior to the tsunami, two earthquakes were recorded when the incident happened. The first earthquake had a magnitude of 5.7 and its epicenter was near Lae’apuki on Kilauea’s south coast in Hawaii. The Second earthquake occurred in epicenter was offshore at 19.3° N, 155.0° W, near Kaomagma, with a magnitude of 7.2. Learn More About November 29, 1975: Hawaiian Tsunami >>>
The Alaskan tsunami occurred exactly on a Good Friday. During this time a magnitude of 9.2 earthquakes was recorded, which was the strongest that North America recorded. This was a very large tectonic earthquake that produced a massive tectonic tsunami. The earthquake caused massive landslides that displace water in massive quantities. This displacement transferred the energy created by the landslide into a tsunami that spread over the areas of Alaska and North America in such a short time. Learn More About The March 29, 1964: Alaskan Tsunami >>>
The earthquake that occurred in Chile was largest earthquake of the 20th century. The earthquake induced a tsunami that swept Chile. It was reported there was a massive death toll and damage incurred by the calamity. Boats were sunk into the ocean. The tsunami included half a mile of land from where it struck landfall. The wide destruction included the fall of buildings and the drowning of the people from the tsunami. Most of the victims comprise the people who were struck by the tsunami. Little has been know as to how much the casualties were. Learn More About May 22, 1960: Chile earthquake and tsunami >>>
Once again the Aleutian tsunami has occurred. This time it is the 3rd most destructive tsunami in the 20th century. This tsunami was made by an 8.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Learn More About March 9, 1957 Aleutian Tsunami >>>
An earthquake measuring a magnitude of 8.2 in the Richter scale hit the area near Kamchatka. The area received a significant amount of casualties and damage. The earthquake was caused by the tectonic shift in the subduction area of Kamchatka. The subduction includes the double neogene volcanic arc separated by an intra arc basin. Learn More About The November 4, 1952 Kamchatka Earthquake and Tsunami >>>