ENDORSEMENT OF NOOSA LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2023 · 2023-10-10 S&O Attachment 1 to the Minutes - Get Ready Packs

Tsunami
A tsunami is a long ocean wave (or series of waves) or surges,
caused by a major disturbance to the sea floor such as an
undersea earthquake, landslide or volcanic eruption. They are
different to the storm tide surge which can occur with cyclones
and from large waves which can accompany storms.

The phenomenon is usually associated with
earthquakes, landslides or volcanic eruptions in, or
adjacent to oceans, and results in sudden movement
                                                            Tsunami warning signs:
of the water column.                                        + You may notice changes such as the water
                                                               withdrawing or becoming shallow.
Until recently tsunamis were called tidal waves, even
though the event has nothing to do with tides.              + A shaking of the ground in coastal regions
                                                               may reflect the occurrence of a large
Rather than one huge wave, a tsunami may look like
                                                               undersea earthquake nearby that may
a rapidly rising or falling tide and occur as a series of
                                                               generate a tsunami.
waves with periods of time in between.
                                                            + A roaring sound may precede the arrival of
Despite the presence of the Great Barrier Reef, the
                                                               a tsunami.
Noosa region could still be affected by a tsunami.
Although the reef may reduce the impact of a                + A tsunami may not be one large wave
tsunami, the scale of impact depends on what caused            approaching the coast. It can occur as a series
the tsunami, how far away the event is and where it is         of seemingly quite low but very powerful
in relation to our shire.                                      waves. The force of the water may be so
                                                               strong it can carry vehicles, boats, bridges and
There may be only a few hours warning. Even a
                                                               buildings with it.
relatively small tsunami of less than one metre
can move with force and cause dangerous rips
and currents.




36 Noosa Council                                                                    Emergency Action Guide