Tsunami Evacuation in the Pacific and Caribbean Coast of Colombia

Abstract eng:
Colombia is located at the north edge of South America bordering with Panama and with coastline in the Caribe and the Pacific Ocean. Due to historical earthquake events in these regions, it is expected that Colombian coastal areas possess a significant tsunami risk. Previous studies suggest that the Caribbean coast of Colombia presents low risk of tsunami, since no significant tsunami heights were obtained to clearly classify the coastal area of Colombia as a high tsunami prone area. Within the activities of the project “Application of State of the Art Technologies to Strengthen Research and Response to Seismic, Volcanic and Tsunami Events, and Enhance Risk Management in Colombia” (JST-JICA SATREPS), this paper presents a preliminary analysis of the evacuation at a tsunami prone area in Colombia. The target area for case study is Tumaco Island, a port city and second largest populated area in the Pacific coast of Colombia. Here we introduce evacuation simulation technology as an example of tools for human loss estimation and tsunami disaster management support. Approximately 40% of the population may reach haven within the 20min window for evacuation under current data and assumptions used in the model. Future improvement of population and urban data will be incorporated to grasp a clear image of the possible tsunami impact in this area.

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