Tsunami Tsunami also know as seismic waves, are a series of enormous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or meteorite. Tsunami can moves hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and smash into land with waves as high as 100 feet or more.

Tsunami From the area where the Tsunami originates, waves travel outward in all directions. Once the wave approaches the coastline, it builds in height. The topography of ther coastline and the ocean floor will influence the size of the wave. There may be more than one wave and the succeeding one may be larger than the one before. That is why a small Tsunami at one beach can be a giant wave a few miles away

Tsunami All Tsunamis are dangerous Even though they may not damage every coastline they strike, They can strike anywhere along the coast of Guam They can occur during any season of the year and any time, day or night They can arrive within minutes after an earthquake The International Tsunami Warning System monitors ocean waves after any Pacific earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 or greater. If waves are detected , warnings are issued to local authorities.

Tsunami Our concern is with the Philippine Sea plate and a disruption along it that would cause a tsunami

Tsunami PREPARDNESS If you are in a coastal community and feel the shaking of a strong earthquake, you may have only minutes until a tsunami arrives Areas are at greater risk if they are less than 25 feet above sea level and within a mile of the shoreline. Know how high your property is located at. Drowning is the most common cause of death associated with Tsunamis If you feel a shaking due to an earthquake, DO NOT WAIT for a Tsunami warning, immediately move to higher ground

Tsunami PREPARDNESS Stay away from rivers and streams. The waves will travel up them. Tsunamis are sometimes preceded by a noticeable fall in the sea level as the ocean retreats seaward exposing the seafloor. A roar like an oncoming train may sometimes be heard as the Tsunami wave rushes toward the shore Discuss Tsunamis with your family and have a plan. Know your evacuation route.

Tsunami PREPARDNESS Check your Disaster Kit If time permits, consider securing objects around your home. Tsunami waves can sweep away objects. Securing them inside will reduce potential loss or damage If you evacuate, take your animal with you. If its not safe for you its not safe for your animal. Return home only after local authorities tell you it is safe.

Tsunami PREPARDNESS If you cannot escape a wave, climb onto a roof or up a tree, or grab a floating object and hang on until help arrives. Some people have survived Tsunami waves by using these as a last resort. Stay informed Take care of yourself and help others Watch for hazards

Tsunami Useful Links NOAA National Weather Service NOAA Tsunami Ready www.weather.gov/view/states.php?state=GU NOAA Tsunami Ready www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov Pacific Tsunami Warning Center www.weather.gov/ptwc/ International Tsunami Info Center http://itic.ioc-unesco.org/index.php