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NOAA Tsunami
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collage of tsunami scenes

US Response & Plans

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden displacements in the sea floor, landslides, or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only be a few inches high. The tsunami wave may come gently ashore or may increase in height to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water several meters high.

Although a tsunami cannot be prevented, the impact of a tsunami can be mitigated through community preparedness, timely warnings, and effective response.

NOAA has primary responsibility for providing tsunami warnings to the Nation, and a leadership role in tsunami observations and research.

5th Aniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami

5th Anniversary of Indian Ocean Tsunami Marks Significant Progress

Dec. 26, 2009 Marks Five Years Since Sumatra Indonesia Tsunami Killed 230,000

Five Years after the Indian Ocean Tsunami:
Are You Safe? (16MB Quicktime movie)

Basics:

NOAA's Role

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