How Is Property Damage Caused by Tsunamis?

Tsunami waves are larger than typical waves, with excessive force thrusting them along.

A tsunami occurs when an earthquake or volcanic eruption in the ocean causes tidal waves of massive proportion. As those tsunami waves approach the shoreline, destruction occurs in many forms. Property in the direct path and on the outskirts of where a tsunami comes ashore suffer damage as a result of the massive force of the water.

Sheer Force

The sheer force associated with a tsunami can damage property simply by the waves crashing into buildings and structures. The average force of a tsunami wave, according to global estimates, can reach upwards of 500 miles per hour while traveling through the ocean. The crashing of the tall and fast waves can instantaneously knock down even well built structures

Burst Pipes

As a tsunami washes ashore and clears a path of destruction, portions of the infrastructure become compromised and damaged. For example, when the water level rises and the ground becomes saturated, underground pipes may begin to crack, snap and break. Broken water pipes can cause destruction inside homes and buildings, even miles away from where the tsunami came ashore. Broken gas lines pose an even more devastating threat with the possibility of explosions, fires and extensive damage to life, property and the landscape.

Sewage Damage

Sewage systems can easily become damaged in the immediate aftermath of a tsunami run up on to the shoreline. When pipes and containers housing sewage break, raw and untreated sewage can flow onto properties, damaging structures and contaminating the environment.

Power and Electricity

In the wake of a tsunami, power and electricity are lost in surrounding areas. When this occurs, the indirect impact could result in property damage. For example, a building with an automatic sprinkler system controlled by both power and water would be placed at risk without those services. If both of those services are lost it would be difficult to control, contain or stop a fire, thereby resulting in property damage and loss.

General Flooding

The vast amount of water deposited on land during a tsunami does not recede along with the waves. Pools of water can remain for days or weeks until it can be absorbed into the ground. This means that properties in flooded areas could start to form foundation cracks or experience a weakening of walls as the buildings sit in the water, becoming fragile due to water absorption. This could cause structures to collapse over time.

References

• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Mental Health in Sumatra After the Tsunami
• University of Washington: Tsunami!
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Tsunami Disaster Fact Sheet
• International Tsunami Information Centre: Tsunami Classification
• National Disaster Education Coalition: Tsunamis
• PBS: A Deadly Force