Tsunami is one of the most devastating weather-related disasters, which occurs when the ocean shore is hit by waves coming one after the other. This happens when the ocean bed is disturbed due to the movements of plates on the earth. There are many reasons, which instigate Tsunami, like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, underwater explosions and any kinds of major tectonic movements. Other reasons are landslides, which might affect the normal flow of the ocean water. Most recently nuclear weapon testing has also been added as one of the unnatural reasons of Tsunami.

Tsunamis are most common in Japan, where 195 cases have been detected alone. One of the most devastating Tsunamis was the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which took millions of lives affected many more. The tourists were taken by surprise as the Tsunami made its strike without any forewarning.

Causes of Tsunami

The causes of Tsunami are the following:

• The plate boundaries deform and this causes the water above the plates to get displaced, which creates huge waves on the water surface
• Subduction earthquakes can also result in Tsunamis

Landslides can be another major cause of Tsunamis

Volcanic eruptions

Effects of Tsunami

Whenever a disaster occurs the effects are felt not only in the physical aspect but also in the mental set up of the victims. Apart from huge losses in property, which can still be rebuilt or reimbursed, human life is lost in large numbers too. The loss is mostly felt by those who have lost their near and dear ones in the disaster. In the case of a tsunami the effect is overwhelming in the shores and regions near it. Long stretches of human habitation can be swept away by the waves.