The 10 effects of a tsunami include:
- Loss of Lives : Tsunamis cause massive fatalities, often by drowning, building collapse, electrocution, fires, and debris impact. For example, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed about 300,000 people
- Destruction of Infrastructure : Buildings, bridges, roads, power lines, telephone lines, boats, and harbors are destroyed or severely damaged by the force of tsunami waves
- Flooding : Tsunamis cause violent flooding as seawater inundates coastal areas and travels inland, damaging property and land
- Environmental Contamination : The waves break chemical containers, pipelines, and sewage systems, releasing oil, asbestos, raw sewage, and other pollutants that contaminate soil, water, and marine life
- Damage to Ecosystems : Tsunamis uproot trees and plants, destroy animal habitats, kill land and sea animals, and suffocate coral reefs with debris and mud
- Spread of Disease : Flooding and contamination of freshwater supplies cause waterborne diseases and infections like malaria due to stagnant, polluted water
- Economic Loss : The destruction of homes, businesses, agricultural land, and infrastructure leads to long-term economic hardship and costly reconstruction efforts
- Psychological Impact : Survivors suffer long-term psychological trauma and stress due to loss of life, homes, and livelihoods
- Soil Salination and Agricultural Damage : Saltwater deposits from the tsunami kill plants and reduce soil fertility, making farming difficult or impossible for extended periods
- Hazards from Secondary Effects : Tsunamis can cause fires, explosions, hazardous material releases, and radiation leaks (e.g., from damaged nuclear plants), posing further risks to human health and the environment
These effects combine to cause immediate devastation and long-lasting environmental, social, and economic challenges in affected regions
