On March 11, 2011, Japan earthquake and tsunami called Great Sendai Earthquake or Great Tōhoku Earthquake occurred in northeastern Japan. It began with a powerful earthquake off the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, which caused widespread damage on land and initiated a series of large tsunami waves that destroyed many coastal areas of the country. The tsunami also instigated a major nuclear accident at a power station along the coast.
Within two weeks of the disaster, the Japanese government’s official count of deaths had exceeded 10,000 more than one and a half times that number were still listed as missing and presumed dead.
Because of this event, we decide to study the occurrences and the effects of tsunami within the framework of hydrometeorology and the chances of preventing damage and loss of serious human and physical resource.
In addition, other purpose is to study the efforts of the countries which had affected by tsunami like as a presence of preventing or warning program.
"wHY" TSUNAMI?
A tsunami is a giant wave or series of waves created by an undersea earthquake, volcanic eruption or landslide.
It often called tidal waves, however it’s not an accurate definition because tides have little effect on giant tsunami waves.
Far out in the ocean, its waves are not very high, but the speed is very fast. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that tsunami waves can move as fast as a jet plane.
As it gets closer to the land, depth of the ocean decreases and the speed slows down and the height of the tsunami wave increases dramatically along with its potential for destruction. Also it is unpredictable. When a tsunami makes landslide, the waves can last from 5 to 15 minutes and do not follow a set pattern.
According to NOAA, the first wave may not be the largest. A strong earthquake in a coastal region puts authorities on alert that a tsunami may have been sparked, leaving a few precious minutes for coastal residents to escape.