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Tsunami

A tsunami (pronounced soo-nam-ee) is a natural phenomenon characterized by a series of large and fast moving waves caused by sudden trauma in the ocean.  These sudden traumas (i.e. earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, meteor impact) result in the vertical displacement of a large volume of water.  When a significant amount of water is displaced, it will affect the wave patterns in the sea.  Waves are formed as the displaced water mass moves under the influence of gravity to regain its equilibrium and radiates across the ocean like ripples on a pond.  Applied to the simple laws of physics, the more water that is displaced, the larger the resultant wave – the tsunami

Tsunamis have recently been brought to the international limelight due to the tragic events that has been occurring over the last couple of weeks in Southern Asia and Eastern Africa.  On December 26th, 2004, a massive earthquake of the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra led to the development of devastating tsunamis that has killed over 150,000 people in 12 countries, with the biggest impact felt in Southeast Asia.  This has been one of the most catastrophic disasters in recent memory.     

Besides the stupendous death toll – 105,000 people in Indonesia, 31,000 in Sri Lanka, and 10,000 in India (the most affected nations) – millions more have been displaced because of the widespread annihilation of homes, businesses, and infrastructure.  This has led to massive international efforts who are responding with the largest relief assistance seen in history.  Health organizations around the world fear for a second tragedy of diseases and illnesses like cholera, severe diarrhea, malaria, and pneumonia that is widely expected due to the poor sanitary conditions, lack of drinkable water, and deficiencies in medical professionals and supplies.   

Since the South Asia tsunami tragedy, the topic of tsunamis has been on everybody’s mind.  Almost everybody with media access has seen the horrifying pictures and video footage that saw immense waves traveling at high speeds hit coastal areas.  The shocking images will forever be burned onto our minds – the rushing waters carrying off victims, cars, livestock, and other large debris to be forever disappeared into the ocean; The huddling masses of families hanging onto rooftops to prevent being carried away in Thailand; Hordes of scared people attempting to outrun the unmerciful and unrelenting tsunami that invaded city streets of major coastal towns in Indonesia.    

It had been a busy and important time in the world.  Amidst the U.S. occupation of Iraq, the elections of Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Palestine, the continuing conflict in the Middle East, and the Civil War in Sudan, it has been a volatile time to kick of the new 2005 calendar year.  However, Mother Nature, in all her infinite power, has yet again reminded us that we still remain a fragile global community.  The world seemed to stop to refocus their attentions upon the first reports of the tsunami’s destruction.  The world remained gripped for the following few days as they learnt the whole scope of the tsunami’s impact, which was as far-reaching as Eastern Africa.  We all remained entranced as we watched the death toll exponentially rise, and pictures that captured the extensive damage the tsunami had caused began to emerge.    

It has been two weeks since the enormous tragedy and our attention have been redirected into assisting and watching aid and relief efforts pour into the devastated regions.  If we are too find the proverbial “silver lining” in the whole heartbreaking affair, it has been the inspiration felt by the mobilization of the other nations rushing to assist those who desperately need it.  It has truly been an international effort, where usual disagreeing nations have put aside their differences for one moment to unite in this self-sacrificing cause.    

Here at Ringsurf, we have noted the overwhelming response by people all around the world in wanting to procure more information about tsunamis.  Thus, we have compiled a variety of information covering all aspects of tsunami that is aimed at increasing your general understanding.  Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions, comments, and/or suggestions about our content.
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