When a tsunami strikes, it is often with no warning. Tsunamis may cause massive loss of life and property, injury, disruption of routines and expectations of daily life, and destruction of infrastructure in the affected region. Survivors face extensive post-disaster adversities--medical, economic, and psychological. The following information is intended for families who have lived through tsunamis; providers working with those children and families affected by such disasters; and families responding to children's questions about this and other disasters.

Tsunamis are powerful ocean waves produced by a major oceanic landslide or earthquake beneath the ocean floor. Tsunamis can be very dangerous, but they are not likely to come ashore and cause extensive loss of life. Tsunamis can occur at any time of the year. When they are produced near coastal areas, it may only take minutes for huge waves to travel to the shore. When they are produced farther out in the ocean, a tsunami may take several hours to reach land.

The International Tsunami Warning System monitors ocean earthquakes and wave activity. The system can issue warnings to officials who can then initiate appropriate evacuations. The United States has two tsunami warning centers: the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii, which provide both national and international warnings for tsunamis across the Pacific Ocean.

The National Disaster Education Coalition has a section on tsunamis in its publication, Talking about Disasters (http://www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/talking/tsunami.pdf)

In the case of the tsunamis that struck the Solomon Islands in spring 2007 or the Pacific Rim in December 2004, the scale of trauma, destruction of property, and loss of life posed an extreme psychological challenge to the recovery of children and families in the affected areas.

The initial experience of many of the survivors in escaping drowning and injury was complicated by the profound helplessness they felt. Survivors reported witnessing family members pulled away by the rushing current, having children torn from their arms, making immediate life-saving choices, and feeling guilt for the death of a loved one. The experience of adults being powerless to protect them shatters children's basic assumption that parents and adults can keep them safe.

Many survivors fear recurrence and are facing trauma and loss reminders. Survivors may also experience posttraumatic stress and grief reactions, traumatic grief, depression, and physical symptoms. Appreciating the psychological implications of such an overwhelming event on the lives of the survivors plays a crucial role in considering specific efforts that will be of greatest help to the affected communities. Psychological Impact of the Tsunami in the Solomon Islands information sheet provides an overview of expected psychological and physical responses, the consequences of these reactions, and helpful coping strategies. This information is condensed in a two-page version.

When media coverage of destructive tsunamis occurs, children in the United States may have questions or fears about them. The information sheet Talking with Children in the United States about the Tsunami gives helpful tips to parents and caregivers about how they can talk with their children about tsunamis, their concerns, and about disaster preparedness.

When tsunamis and other disasters are in the news, it is an important time for every family to review their preparedness plans for disasters that may affect their area. Preparedness means talking to your children about how the family can take action and respond effectively to emergencies. When parents take action, they teach their children the power of coping through preparedness. A family preparedness plan for all emergencies will increase your children's confidence that your family will stay safe and secure. For help in developing family preparedness plans, click here for the Family Preparedness Guide and the Preparedness Wallet Card