World Tsunami Awareness Day, observed annually on November 5, serves as an important event to educate the public about the perilous impact of tsunamis. The day emphasises the significance of early warning systems and community preparedness in mitigating the impacts of these catastrophic waves. Recognised by the UN General Assembly in December 2015, World Tsunami Awareness Day calls upon nations, international entities and civil society to amplify awareness efforts and explore innovative strategies for minimising tsunami-related risks.

According to the United Nations, tsunamis have wreaked havoc globally, claiming around 260,000 lives in just 58 occurrences over the last century. Astonishingly, each of these disasters has resulted in an average death toll of 4,600 people, surpassing any other natural hazard in terms of human casualties.

Let’s take a quick look at the world’s deadliest tsunamis:

Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami – December 26, 2004

A seismic jolt of 9.1 magnitude beneath the Indian Ocean near Sumatra, Indonesia, triggered a tsunami, what is widely regarded as one of the deadliest disasters in human history, causing massive destruction to several South Asian countries, including India. The ensuing colossal waves, reaching a height of 164 feet (50 metres), inundated coastal areas. The tsunami resulted in a death toll of approximately 2,30,000 people. The total loss caused by the devastating impact of the tsunami was estimated to be around $10 billion. In India, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh faced widespread damage. The total death toll was over 10,000 in India, with most of the casualties being reported from Tamil Nadu.

Tōhoku Tsunami, Japan – March 11, 2011

Japan experienced one of its darkest days when a powerful earthquake of 9.0 magnitude struck the island nation’s northeastern coast. The resulting tsunami waves, towering at 32 feet (10 metres) and travelling at a speed of 500 miles per hour, immersed coastal regions. Tragically, nearly 20,000 lives were lost, and the disaster led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear catastrophe, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters ever recorded, with losses estimated at around $14.5 to $34.6 billion.

Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami – September 28, 2018

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered a tsunami, affecting around 1.5 million people on the island of Sulawesi. The disaster claimed more than 2,000 lives and displaced 212,000 people. The disaster severely impacted education, leaving thousands of children in precarious situations.

Sunda Strait Tsunami – December 22, 2018

The eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano led to a tsunami that struck Sumatra and Java islands. The disaster resulted in 426 deaths, 7,202 injuries and 24 missing persons.

Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha'apai Eruption and Tsunami – January 2022

In 2021, a submarine volcano eruption triggered tsunamis that devastated Tongan islands and affected shores worldwide. The aftermath resulted in widespread destruction and environmental damage across multiple countries.

Krakatoa Eruption and Tsunami — May 20, 1883

The eruption of Krakatoa, a volcanic island in Indonesia, unleashed a cataclysmic series of events. From May 20 to August 27, the eruption and resulting tsunami wreaked havoc, destroying 70% of the island and nearby landmasses. The eruption’s impact was felt as far away as Western Australia, with at least 36,000 casualties attributed to the tsunami. Even the ships in South Africa felt the waves.

(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)