Despite Australia's low frequency of tsunami events, the impacts of such incidents could be devastating, making awareness and preparation essential.
More than 50 incidents of tsunamis have been recorded in Australia's written history, although many have been too small to produce noticeable effects. At least seven marine-threat tsunamis originating from earthquakes and one from a volcanic source have impacted NSW since 2007.
NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Daniel Austin said as the lead agency for tsunamis in the state, the SES regularly prepares for the event that one occurs.
"While the likelihood of a tsunami in NSW is low, it's not zero. A tsunami could happen when we least expect it and the impacts could be devastating," Deputy Commissioner Austin said.
More than 70 members from NSW SES City of Sydney and Canterbury Units recently took part in a simulation to practise response operations following a tsunami warning for marine and immediate foreshore threat.
A specialist incident management team was formed at the City of Sydney Unit, while field crews deployed to pre-determined high-risk tsunami locations where they would deliver critical evacuation messaging including The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, Rushcutters Bay Park, Barangaroo and Haymarket.
The exercise gave members the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the response activities to be undertaken in the event of a tsunami threat, identify any gaps in preparedness and gather intelligence on the identified high-risk locations within Sydney's CBD.
"Exercises like this are important to ensure members are on the same page and confident in enacting their local response plans. It's also a great opportunity to engage with communities about tsunami preparedness," Deputy Commissioner Austin said.
In the lead up to World Tsunami Awareness Day, NSW SES members will also host community engagement events along the east coast, providing an opportunity for locals to learn about their tsunami risk, safety and preparedness. Residents are encouraged to attend and have a chat with their local SES members:
- City of Sydney Unit: Government House, Sunday 2 November, 10am to 4pm
- Randwick Unit: Maroubra and Coogee Beach, Sunday 2 November, 7am to 3pm
- Manly Unit: Manly Beach, Sunday 2 November, 9:30am to 1:30pm
- Waverley-Woollahra Unit: Bondi Pavilion and Lyne Park, Rose Bay, Sunday 2 November, 9am to 3:30pm
- Mosman Unit: Balmoral Beach, Sunday 2 November, 7am to 12pm
- Ballina Unit: Ballina Marine Rescue Tower, Sunday 2 November, 8am to 10am
- City of Newcastle Unit: Nobby's Beach, Wednesday 5 November, 10am to 2pm
- Swansea Unit: Swansea RSL and Swansea Shopping Centre, Wednesday 5 November, 9am to 3pm
Deputy Commissioner Austin said it's vital that communities, particularly along the coast, understand their risk and prepare for all natural hazards.
"We want everyone to understand the warning signs and know what to do if a tsunami warning is issued," he said.
"Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Tsunami Evacuation Area Interactive Map to assess their risk level and to familiarise themselves with safe preparedness, response and recovery actions on the NSW SES website."
In the event of a marine and immediate foreshore threat, the community should move away from beaches and estuaries. If there is a land inundation threat issued, people should immediately go to higher ground at least ten metres (10m) above sea level or move at least one kilometre (1km) away from beaches, coastal rock platforms, harbours and coastal estuaries up to ten kilometres (10km) upstream.
For a marine and immediate foreshore or land inundation threat, boats already in harbours, estuaries or shallow water should return to shore or moorings and boats already out at sea should stay offshore in water at least 25 metres deep until further advised.
