NEWS
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Could a Large Distant Earthquake off the Coast of Puerto Rico Cause a Tsunami Along the US East Coast?
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Should Governments Plan for a US East Coast Tsunami?
WAKEFIELD, MA – Yes, in the context of all-hazards planning, governments should plan for a potential US East Coast tsunami despite it being a low-probability event. It is essential for governments at various levels (federal, state, county and local) to include tsunamis in their disaster preparedness, response and hazard mitigation plans.
NESEC can help for FREE and here’s why planning is important:
- Hazard Mitigation: Planning allows governments to identify areas at higher risk of tsunamis, assess vulnerabilities, and implement mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response: Developing comprehensive preparedness and response plans ensures that government agencies, emergency services, and relevant stakeholders are prepared to act swiftly and effectively during a tsunami event.
- Public Safety and Education: Governments play a crucial role in raising public awareness about tsunamis and educating communities on preparedness measures. They can disseminate information through various channels including social media platforms to ensure that residents understand the risks and know how to respond in the event of a tsunami.
- Early Warning Systems: Governments can continue to invest in and maintain robust early warning systems that provide timely alerts to coastal communities.
- Research and Monitoring: Governments can continue to support scientific research and monitoring efforts related to tsunamis along the US East Coast. This includes funding studies on potential sources, mapping potential tsunami inundation areas, investing in monitoring equipment and technologies, and collaborating with research institutions to enhance our understanding of regional tsunami hazards.
While the pro
bability of a tsunami along the US East Coast is relatively low, the impact could be significant due to the density of coastal population, property and infrastructure. In addition, the US East Coast is vulnerable to meteotunamis, also known as meteorological tsunamis. This is a type of tsunami that is generated by atmospheric disturbances, such as changes in atmospheric pressure, severe thunderstorms, squalls, or other weather related events. It is important for coastal communities to be aware of the potential risks posed by meteotunamis and to have appropriate monitoring and warning systems in place.
Comprehensive planning allows governments to be proactive, mitigate risks, and protect lives, property and infrastructure. It ensures that the necessary infrastructure, systems, and preparedness measures are in place to respond effectively in the event of a tsunami or other tsunamigenic events.
Tsunami Awareness
