Re: “Municipalities review responses to better prepare for next time,” Jan. 25.
The recent tsunami scare has raised numerous issues that have been well covered by the Times Colonist. However, a critical fact seems to have escaped attention: How high can we expect tsunami waves to be along the Greater Victoria shoreline?
Research suggests that a tsunami associated with a massive 9.0 mega-thrust earthquake centred off the coast of Vancouver Island could be about two to three metres high by the time the waves reach Victoria about 90 minutes after the initial shock. Tsunami waves produced by smaller earthquakes or those produced farther away, such as in Alaska, would be smaller.
Tsunami waves striking the west coast of Vancouver Island or up narrow inlets such as Port Alberni would be much larger, so these communities face much greater risk.
Greater Victoria residents are advised by authorities that a safe elevation would be four metres. No need to head for Mount Tolmie. Folks living near the water should know their elevation to guide decisions about the need to head for higher ground.
An excellent source of information is the City of Victoria brochure Learn to Protect Yourself From a Tsunami.
Ben Kangasniemi
Victoria
