Pacific Tsunami Warning Center oceanographer Dr. David Walsh said the only way to save lives is to be prepared.
Walsh said tsunamis can be destructive, or non-destructive.
“The point here is to be prepared and know what to do in case tsunamis occur. Earthquakes happen frequently and most tsunamis are earthquake generated,” Walsh said.
With about 75 percent of the population on Saipan, Tinian and Rota distributed along the coastal areas, Disaster Management Specialist manager Brian S. Yanagi of the International Tsunami Information Center in Hawaii said proper education and awareness are the best defense.
“Self-evacuation is your only option. Do not wait for the government to tell you what to do because it will be a surprise attack,” Yanagi said.
Guam Weather Forecast Office warning coordination meteorologist Charles “Chip” Guard urged residents to get more information from the Emergency Management Office.
“They know better and we get directly in touch with them,” Guard said.
The three speakers during the two-day workshop said education about tsunamis should be integrated in schools as well as in village and community meetings.
Micronesian tsunamis over three feet were recorded in 1849, 1892, 1952, 1993 (Guam) and 1994 (Tinian).
The first ever tsunami awareness workshop was conducted by EMO in two separate sessions at the Hyatt’s Sandcastle.
The first session on Tuesday was for government and non-government agencies and was attended by 54 participants. Forty-right participants from private businesses, media and other sectors joined yesterday’s session.
