Tsunami Lessons from “The Impossible”

BRIAN SHIRO NOAA PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER

GET READY EWA BEACH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR 2015

The Impossible

Disclaimer

The scenes we are about to show are graphic and depict the violent nature of tsunamis. They may

not be suitable for young children.

Tsunami Scene Discussion • Tsunami sounds

like “thousands of big planes.” • No warning?

(Animals seemed to detect it first.) • Tsunami looks like

a “huge black wall.” • Maria clung to a

tree and survived.

The actual tsunami at a resort in Thailand

Did they get the science right? Mostly, yes. Survivors say the film depicted actual events very well.

However, the movie does not show the initial recession of the water and accurate timing between waves.

Crest-first vs. Trough-first Waves • The earthquake fault

pushes water up on one side and down on the other. • The first wave going

one direction (west) was crest-first, but the first wave going the other direction (east) was trough-first. • So Thailand first saw

a recession of the sea.

Actual Tsunami Footage

Video shot by survivors at resorts in Thailand shows the power of the tsunami and the safety of vertical evacuation.

Near-Drowning Scene Discussion • Violence of the

tsunami currents and debris. • You can’t swim in

a tsunami. • Each wave carries

more debris. • Maria’s wounds:

broken nose, torn leg, water-filled lungs, internal bleeding.

Over 5100 people died in Thailand

Aftermath Scene Discussion • Get to safety

between waves. Danger lasts hours. • Dangerous

debris everywhere. • Be strong. • Help others if

you can.

Devastation in Thailand

Pre and Post Tsunami

Phone Scene Discussion • Have an out-of-

state person you can call and memorize the number. • Phones and power

will be limited. • Dealing with the

psychological trauma while searching for survivors. • Generosity of

strangers. Despair in searching for loved ones

Could “The Impossible” happen here in Hawaii? Thailand-Hawaii Similarities

• Many resorts and tourists in both places. • Similar education and evacuation challenges. • Similar tropical climates.

Thailand-Hawaii Differences • Hawaii has no subduction zone nearby. Large local

tsunamis are extremely unlikely here. • Most large tsunamis in Hawaii come from far away and

give ample time to evacuate. • Hawaii has a well-developed tsunami warning system.

Tsunamis Affecting Hawaii

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Major Tsunamis in Hawaii: April 1, 1946 – Alaska (M 8.6) May 22, 1960 – Chile (M 9.5) Travel Times to Hawaii: Local – minutes Alaska – 5 hours Japan – 7 hours S. Pacific – 7 hours Chile – 14 hours

Tsunami Safety Tips •  If you are near the beach and feel strong earthquake shaking, that is

your warning. Head to higher ground. § Walking mauka for 15-20 minutes or going to the 4th floor of a strong

building is usually sufficient. Do not drive! •  An unusual draining of the sea is a natural tsunami warning sign,

although this doesn’t happen in every tsunami situation. •  A tsunami is a series of waves, and the first wave may not be the

biggest. §  Since the time between waves is 5-60 minutes, the danger can last for

several hours. Be prepared with food, water, and a radio. •  Tsunami waves wrap around islands, so all coastlines are at risk. •  If a warning is issued, follow instructions.

§  Local warnings (for tsunamis generated in Hawaii) require immediate action, but warnings from distant events are less urgent.

•  If you are in a boat at sea, make sure you’re in deep water and stay there. Bays and harbors, however, are dangerous places.

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Stay safe and enjoy the beach! Mahalo! Brian Shiro NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center 1845 Wasp Blvd Bldg 176 Honolulu, HI 96818 brian.shiro@noaa.gov

Extra Slides

Hospital Scene Discussion • Hospitals

overwhelmed with patients. • It is possible be

reunited with your loved ones. • Help others. • Don’t give up

hope. Filmed at the actual hospital in Takua Pa