This World Tsunami Awareness Day (Friday 5 November), NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is urging communities along the state’s coast to take the time to learn what to do in case one hits.
Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin said while NSW SES is known for being the legislated combat agency for storms and floods, many people are not aware that the agency is also the lead combat agency for tsunamis.
“Despite their rare occurrence, tsunamis can happen. Since 1805, there have been more than 40 tsunamis recorded in NSW,” Mr Austin said.
“You only need to cast your mind back to the tsunamis that have struck neighbouring countries in recent years to understand the potential for large-scale devastation.
“World Tsunami Awareness Day is a timely opportunity for us to remind communities to be aware of their risks.
“With more than one million people living in places deemed to be tsunami emergency evacuation areas, it is really important they are prepared,” he said.
Mr Austin highlighted that the NSW SES website contains useful resources and information communities need to prepare.
“If you are living along the state’s coast, don’t be complacent – learn about the risks and do what you can to prepare.
“Our website has details about how to tell when a tsunami is coming and where people to go to be safer. Among the resources are a series of maps that show the evacuation areas in the event of a land-threat tsunami.
“We want all communities to understand their risks and have a plan in place through using the resources available to them,” he added.
