Tsunami advice for boaters and fishers
Check this dedicated SES website and heed the advice about what to do in the unlikely event of a tsunamiThis year, NSW SES has identified February as the TsunamiSafe month and is focusing on raising awareness of Tsunami and of educating our coastal communities and marine users of the TsunamiSafe messages.
A whole new dedicated website has been created at http://www.tsunamisafe.com.au. Everything you need to know is online and, while chances of ever having to implement the advise are extremely low, forewarned is forearm when it comes to catastrophic natural disasters.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
The New South Wales coastline has recorded at least 37 tsunami since European settlement,?the largest of which were associated with tidal fluctuations of around one metre, causing strong destructive currents along the coast. The largest run-up measured 1.7 metres at Eden as a result of the 1960 Chile tsunami. Damage to boats and coastal infrastructure occurred as a result of the 1868, 1877 and 1960 tsunami which were generated near South America.
The following quote describes some of the effects within Sydney Harbour:
"Freak currents tore away moored boats and upset shipping. The huge tide tore from their moorings about 30 launches and small craft and two barges at the Spit... swirled the barges in among drifting launches, overturning several of them and damaging others... smashed one of the barges into the Spit Bridge," said a news report of the 1960 tsunami.
Though NSW has not experienced catastrophic tsunami since European settlement, such an event cannot be ruled out as the coastline is exposed?to numerous sources of tsunami within the Pacific Ocean. Such a large event, however, would be considered rare.
The NSW State Emergency Service has developed ?a comprehensive tsunami plan which details the emergency management arrangements for responding to tsunami in NSW.
>> Feel the earth shake. A large undersea earthquake may be felt prior to tsunami by an ongoing shaking of the ground in coastal regions. However, you may not feel an earthquake if the source is far away.
>> See the ocean drop. As tsunami approach the shoreline, the sea level may, but not always recede/drop dramatically before returning as a fast-moving wall of water.
>> Hear an unusual roaring sound. A roaring sound from the ocean may precede the arrival of tsunami.
In the unlikely event of tsunami being generated directly offshore from our coast, little or no warning may be available for communities initially impacted apart from possible natural warning signs.
You can read the tips for boaters and anglers at http://tsunamisafe.com.au/what-tsunamisafe-means-for-you/boaters-and-fishermen. If you are a recreational boater, here are some helpful things you can do when a Tsunami Warning is issued:
>> Move away from the immediate water's edge of harbours, coastal estuaries, rock platforms, and beaches
>> Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised
>> DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami
>> Check that others have received this advice
>> Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice
>> Go to higher ground, at least ten metres above sea level, or if possible move at least one kilometre away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbours and coastal estuaries
>> Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised
>> Take only essential items that you can carry including important papers, family photographs and medical needs
>> Consider walking to safety if possible to avoid traffic jams
>> If you cannot leave the area take shelter in the upper storey of a sturdy brick or concrete multi-storey building
>> DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami
>> Check that others have received this advice
>> Keep listening to your local radio station for updates and advice.
A Tsunami warning Cancellation will be issued when the Tsunami threat has passed
Geoscience Australia www.ga.gov.au/hazards/tsunami
Emergency Management Australia www.ema.gov.au/tsunami
NSW State Emergency Service www.ses.nsw.gov.au
Surf Life Saving Australia www.slsa.asn.au
For latest tsunami warnings call 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 6264) or visit the Bureau’s website www.bom.gov.au/tsunami
Opening photo credit: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP/Getty Images and the Japanese recovery fund Otsuchi Recovery Efforts.
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