1. Characteristics of a Tsunami
Depending on the location of the tsunami trigger impact time on coastlines can range from less than an hour (a local tsunami) to over three hours (a teletsunami/distant tsunami).
In the deep ocean the waves can travel at speeds of 500 to 1000 km per hour and may be only about one metre in height. Upon approaching the shore however, tsunami height can grow to tens of metres and speeds reduce to just a few tens of kilometres per hour.
The associated shortening of wave length and concurrent increase in wave height concentrates the tsunami’s energy, giving this hazard its destructive potential. Local conditions such as near-shore bathymetry, shape of the coastline, state of the tide and degree of coastal development can further augment the extent of impact a tsunami may have.

3. Tsunami Warning and Response
The adequacy of early warning that can be provided in the face of an impending tsunami hazard will depend, in part, on where the tsunami originates from. If it is a local tsunami early warning might be limited simply by virtue of the short time period between generation of the waves and when they make landfall. In these situations therefore, it is important for coastal users to recognise the signs that a tsunami is about to occur. These include a rapid fall in the sea level, causing the sea floor to be exposed, and an audible roar like an oncoming train. When these signs are observed, coastal users should immediately head for higher ground.
With distant tsunamis the lengthier time before coastline impact can allow for more adequate warning. This provides the opportunity to put into effect evacuation plans and response protocols. In this regard it is important to understand the terminology used in Tsunami messages. Inherent in these specific terminologies are associated mechanisms, roles and responsibilities for organizations and individuals to undertake in order to mitigate against losses in the face of tsunami threat.

4. Tsunami messages range from:
· Tsunami Information Bulletin/Statement– generated as a result of seismic action, it advises of major earthquakes and gives general information about tsunami threats
· Tsunami Advisory– it is issued to coastal populations that are not within the warning areas to advise that a warning has been issued
· Tsunami Watch– this is the second highest level of alert. They are issued without confirmation of an impending tsunami to warn populations within one to three hours of potential impact. Watches are updated hourly and may include a warning for other locations
· Tsunami Warning– this highest level of warning. It is issued where there is imminent threat of a tsunami from a large under sea earthquake or following confirmation of a large tsunami. Warnings are issued hourly or as conditions require

5. The Meteorological Services of Trinidad and Tobago, acting on advice from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, is in charge of issuing tsunami messages. When these messages are received, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) coordinates relevant stakeholder agencies to produce an appropriate response to the tsunami hazard.

6. Functions of CDEMA
(a) mobilising and coordinating disaster relief;
(b) mitigating or eliminating, as far as practicable, the immediate consequences of disasters in Participating States;
(c) providing immediate and coordinated response by means of emergency disaster relief to any affected Participating State;
(d) securing, coordinating and providing to interested inter-governmental and nongovernmental organisations reliable and comprehensive information on disasters affecting any Participating State;

7. (e) encouraging –
(i) the adoption of disaster loss reduction and mitigation policies and
practices at the national and regional level;
(ii) cooperative arrangements and mechanisms to facilitate the development
of a culture of disaster loss reduction; and
(f) coordinating the establishment, enhancement and maintenance of adequate
emergency disaster response capabilities among the Participating States.

8. Structure of CDERA
When one speaks of "CDERA", this refers to the region wide organisation. CDERA comprises:
•The Coordinating Unit, which is the CDERA secretariat, headquartered in Barbados;
•16 National Disaster Organisations, one in each of the Participating States?;
•A Board of Directors, comprising the 16 National Disaster Coordinators (the head of each National Disaster Organisation). The Board serves in a technical advisory capacity and makes recommendations to the Council on the Agency's Work Programme, Administrative Budget, and any other major policy decisions required;
•A Council, which is the supreme policy making body. It comprised the Heads of Government of the Participating States and meets annually to review the work of the Agency, approve its Work Programme and Administrative Budget and make any other major policy decisions required.

9. Sub-regional focal points
To better manage an efficient response, the 16 CDERA Participating States are grouped into four sub-regions, each of which is headed by an operation unit known as a Sub-Regional Focal Point

10. 1. What is the role of the ODPM in Trinidad and Tobago 2
1. What is the role of the ODPM in Trinidad and Tobago 2. Describe the response of the ODPM to a natural disaster.