Contents:
- Medical Video: Tsunami hits Malaysia
- Impact of the tsunami disaster
- 1. Floods and puddles
- 2. Damage to facilities and infrastructure
- 3. Environmental pollution
- 4. Victims of wealth and soul
- What should be done in the face of a tsunami?
- Before the tsunami
- When the tsunami arrived
- After the tsunami wave
Medical Video: Tsunami hits Malaysia
Tsunami comes from Japanese, tsu which means port, and nami which means wave. Tsunamis are known as port waves because their destructive power is only apparent when the waves reach the port or coast. Movement of the seafloor, can cause tsunami waves. Tsunami waves have a pattern of wave velocity and height. The more waves approach the beach, the height will increase while the speed decreases.
On December 12, 1992, the tsunami on Flores claimed 2,100 lives with a wave height of 26 meters. On June 3, 1994, the tsunami in Banyuwangi claimed 240 lives with a wave height reaching 13 meters. And the biggest event was on December 26, 2004, namely the tsunami in Aceh and North Sumatra which claimed 200,000 lives with waves reaching a height of 30 meters. The tsunami events above are three of the 75 tsunami wave disasters that hit Indonesia in the last 100 years.
Here are some information from the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) that you should know about tsunamis.
Impact of the tsunami disaster
1. Floods and puddles
In some areas of Banda Aceh, the tsunami caused a pool of seawater of around 20-60cm, and left mud deposits as thick as 10-20cm.
2. Damage to facilities and infrastructure
In Banda Aceh, about 120 hectares of agricultural land were damaged and flooded with sea water. This damage does not include damage to buildings, bridges and roads.
3. Environmental pollution
The tsunami washed away objects from the ocean and land. Stranded and useless objects will become garbage. In addition, clean water sources will also be polluted with sea water.
4. Victims of wealth and soul
With wave power, tsunamis can destroy objects they pass through. Like the three tsunami events mentioned above, the tsunami was one of the natural disasters which claimed many lives.
What should be done in the face of a tsunami?
Before the tsunami
- Know the signs of a tsunami. Tsunamis are usually preceded by a large earthquake with a magnitude of at least 6.5 on the Richter scale. Before the tsunami waves come, the sea water will recede through the normal coastline and usually the smell of salt will smell.
- If you live on the beach, know the evacuation route to a safe place if a tsunami occurs. Like the fastest path to high places that are not reached by tsunami waves or choose a tall building (at least 3 floors) with strong construction.
- Always be careful because the tsunami disaster will come suddenly.
When the tsunami arrived
- Don't panic. You must act quickly when the tsunami arrives. Panic will prevent you from thinking clearly in finding a way out.
- Move according to the tsunami evacuation path. If you do not know the evacuation route, move to a higher place (remember the height of standing water due to the tsunami wave can reach 24 meters).
- If you believe that the signs you encounter are signs of a tsunami wave, warn everyone. Invite family and people around you to save yourself.
- If you don't find a plateau, look for a building with strong construction. At least three floors. Don't choose buildings that look fragile and old. Take shelter on a safe floor, and wait until things improve.
- If the tsunami waves wash you away, look for floating objects that can be used as rafts, such as tree trunks. Try not to drink sea water and stay on the surface of the water to breathe.
- If the wave takes you to a high place, for example a roof, try to stay there and wait until the water recedes and is calm.
After the tsunami wave
Panic and sadness will color our surroundings after the tsunami struck. Don't dissolve in that atmosphere, try to stay calm and strengthen your heart to face reality. After low tide, you may intend to return home, but follow the rescue team's appeal and do not pass through damaged roads.
If you have arrived at home, don't enter immediately. Beware if there are parts of a collapsed house or slippery floor. Don't forget to check your family members one by one. Avoid installations and electrical cables to avoid electric shock.
After the tsunami many people experienced physical and mental stress. Give support to your family and friends, especially those who suffer a lot of suffering, terrible experiences and loss. Take care of your own health with a good diet and adequate rest, so you can help others.
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