Following the tsunami which devastated the island of Samoa in the South Pacific earlier this week, we explore the phenomenon that can leave lives and entire countries destroyed.
Tsunamis occur when there is a large-scale disturbance of the sea. The most common causes are earthquakes, but volcanic eruptions or landslides can also have the same effect, forcing a vast amount of water suddenly upwards, creating enormous waves which can hit land at up to 45mph, often with devastating effect.
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