News

Ahead of World Tsunami Awareness Day, NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is reminding communities along the state’s coast that, despite their rare occurrence, tsunamis are a still possibility.

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said with World Tsunami Awareness Day happening on Thursday 5 November, it was timely to remind people living along the state’s coast to be aware of their risks.

“There have been about 40 tsunamis recorded in NSW since 1805, so they can happen,” Commissioner York said.

“With more than one million people living along our state’s coast, it is really important they not only know their risks but be prepared.”

Commissioner York said all the resources that communities need is available via the NSW SES website.

“Our website has details on how people can prepare, including how to tell when a tsunami is coming and where people need to go in order to be safe,” Commissioner York said.

“We want all communities to be familiar with our website and use the resources available.

“Whether it be to prepare for a storm, flood or tsunami, I encourage everyone to visit ses.nsw.gov.au and learn about your risks,” she said.

NSW SES has released maps showing evacuation areas in the event of a land-threat tsunami, for more information, visit Tsunami Evacuation Map

World Tsunami Awareness Day, which is hosted every year on 5 November by the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Office since its inception in 2015, aims to increase the awareness of tsunamis and their risks in coastal communities throughout the world.

For more information please visit World Tsunami Awareness Day