Since 1975, there have been 42 deadly tsunamis, with nearly 70% in the Pacific and its marginal seas. Over history (1610 BC to AD 2016), there have been 1235 confirmed tsunamis, of which 249 have been deadly. 76% occurred in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal seas. 87% of the tsunamis were caused by earthquakes. Tsunamis are blind to politics and borders, wreaking havoc locally and also crossing ocean basins with deadly waves that can reach 40 m high and flood six km inland.  90% of the casualties were caused by local tsunamis that attacked in minutes -- it is for these that Education, Awareness, and Preparedness for evacuation is the #1 priority.  Tsunamis have no seasons and we don't know when the next big one will be, nor where it will occur.  So, we must always be prepared ...
 

To continually sustain this  awareness, the United Nations has designated November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day.  This year's theme is effective education and evacuation drills as the key preparedness activities that will save lives from tsunamis. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) facilitates World Tsunami Awareness Day in collaboration with the United Nations system.