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36 - Tsunamis
from SECTION B - ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS
- By Samuel J. Stratton
Edited by Kristi L. Koenig, University of California, Irvine, Carl H. Schultz, University of California, Irvine
Book:

Koenig and Schultz's Disaster Medicine

Published online:

05 August 2011

Print publication:

30 September 2009, pp 578-585
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Summary

Tsunamis can cause severe damage to coastal areas as they run-up onshore and dissipate wave energy caused by the massive displacement of ocean water. Drowning is the obvious risk for humans and animals when a tsunami strikes an inhabited shoreline. Many persons survive the initial effects of an oncoming rolling wave but are swept to sea to drown in open ocean waters that are churning as tsunami waves strike. In addition to drowning, death occurs by blunt force injury as heavy objects are thrown against persons and structures as the advancing waves hit the shore. The immediate public health concerns with tsunami events include loss of shelter, food, water, and clothing supplies. Starvation and hypothermia or sunburn and sun exposure are common public health concerns immediately after a tsunami strike. The development of safe and effective maneuvers for avoiding personal injury from tsunamis represents a significant future research opportunity.