Introduction: Why Tsunamis Scare and Confuse Us
Tsunamis, often called “killer waves,” both frighten and fascinate people, especially in India after the deadly 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Many stories and myths about tsunamis spread fear and wrong ideas. From tales of angry gods to dramatic movie scenes, these myths need clearing up. As India builds stronger coastal safety measures, let’s break down five common tsunami myths with simple facts.
Myth 1: Tsunamis Are Just Big Waves
Fact: Tsunamis aren’t like regular beach waves. Normal waves come from wind, but tsunamis start from big underwater events like earthquakes or volcano eruptions. Dr. Shailesh Nayak, a top ocean expert, says, “A tsunami is like a wall of water, moving super fast—up to 800 km/h in deep seas.” When it reaches shallow water, it slows but grows taller, flooding coasts. In 2004, tsunami waves hit 10 meters high in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Myth 2: Tsunamis Only Come from Earthquakes
Fact: Earthquakes are the main cause, but tsunamis can also happen from volcanoes or underwater landslides. In 2018, a volcano collapse in Indonesia caused a tsunami without a big quake. Dr. C.P. Rajendran, a scientist, warns, “India’s east coast could face such surprises.” People need to watch for different dangers, not just earthquakes.
Myth 3: The Sea Always Pulls Back Before a Tsunami
Fact: Movies show the sea pulling back before a tsunami, but this doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, the first wave hits without any warning sign. In 2004, some Indian villages saw no sea retreat before the tsunami struck. “This myth can trick people into waiting too long,” says Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate expert from Pune. India’s tsunami warning system now sends quick alerts to save lives.
Myth 4: Tsunamis Only Hit the Beach
Fact: Tsunamis can travel far inland, especially along rivers or flat land. In 2004, waves reached 3 km inside Tamil Nadu, destroying homes far from the shore. Some posts on X claim tsunamis stay near the beach, but that’s wrong. “Planting mangroves and planning towns better can protect inland areas,” says Koll. India is working on these natural shields.
Myth 5: All Tsunamis Are Deadly
Fact: Not every tsunami is dangerous. Many are small, with waves less than a meter, causing no harm. India’s tsunami warning system has spotted tiny tsunamis since 2004 that nobody noticed. “The trick is knowing which ones are big,” says Dr. Nayak. India’s ocean buoys and earthquake monitors help predict dangers better now.
Moving Forward: Trust Science, Not Stories
To stay safe, India must clear up tsunami myths. Teaching people and using warning systems can protect coastal towns. “Forget old tales—science is the key,” says Dr. Rajendran. With places like the Andaman Islands and India’s east coast at risk, knowing the truth about tsunamis is super important.
Last Updated on: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:30 am by Hemang Warudkar | Published by: Hemang Warudkar on Sunday, June 8, 2025 2:34 pm | News Categories: Opinion
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