Tsunamis are a rare event, but they can be extremely deadly. Over the past 100 years, 58 have claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people, an average of 4,600 people per disaster. In December 2015, the UN declared November 5th World Tsunami Awareness Day, which focuses on the major expertise developed in the areas of early tsunami warning systems, public action and building back after a disaster to reduce future negative impacts. The idea of the day is to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk mitigation.
During our time at Beakerhead this fall, we met the brain-child behind a company called Survival Capsule, which designs a personal safety system, in the shape of a sphere to protect against tsunami events, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and storm surges. These capsules were part of the Chain Reaction sites along with the Lucky Iron Fish that were exhibited at Beakerhead in Calgary, Alberta.
The Lucky Iron Fish recently provided 1,500 Fish to GlobalMedic, an operational arm of DMGF which responds to disasters with a Rescue Unit Water Purification Unit and Emergency Medical Units. The Fish will be distributed to those affected by Hurrican Matthew in Haiti. In 2012, GlobalMedic deployed a team of volunteers to northeastern Japan to participate in building projects like shelter contstruction for the local community and economy rehabilitation for those affected by the 2012 earthquake and tsunami.
To find our more information about World Tsunami Awareness Day, click on the links below