Every year, World Tsunami Awareness Day is celebrated on 5th November to create awareness about this natural disaster. Tsunami caused the death of lakhs of people. With the epicenter along the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia, Tsunami hit the coastlines of Indian Ocean and caused havoc. Tsunami is defined as a series of waves that is caused by the displacement of water usually in large water bodies such as seas and oceans. It is important to create awareness about Tsunami to let people know of the dangers of these natural disasters and ways of saving themselves and their loved ones.

History

In Japan, the word Inamura-no-hi means burning of the rice sheaves. During an earthquake in 1854, a farmer saw the tide receding – a clear sign of a Tsunami coming. He then set fire to his harvested rice to make the villagers aware of the looming disaster. To honour this true story of Japan, November 5 is chosen as the day for observing World Tsunami Awareness Day.

Theme

The theme of this year's World Tsunami Awareness Day is - Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future.