Comparative Study on the Processes of Tsunami Evacuation in Biobio 2010 and That in Iquique 2014, Chile

Abstract eng:
Earthquakes and tsunamis are the main natural agents of urban change and put in constant danger to populations that are exposed to these risks. The 2010 Maule earthquake (8.8 Mw) occurred at 3:34:08 local time (UTC-3), Saturday February 27, and generated a tsunami which affected large part of the central coast of Chile. The tsunami caused extensive damage in the cities of Talcahuano and Dichato, however, the human losses were very low due to the timely evacuation process performed by the population. The earthquake of 2014 Iquique Norte Grande (8.2 Mw) occurred at 20:48 local time (UTC-3) on Tuesday April 1, 2014. Due to the intensity and location of the earthquake, the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service the Chilean Navy (SHOA) issued a "tsunami watch", the National Emergency Office of the Interior Ministry (ONEMI) ordered to evacuate coastal areas around the country, and finally waves of 2.11 meters reached in Iquique area. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in Biobio and in Iquique aiming to clarify the factors affecting tsunami evacuation process and to improve measures to raise awareness and preparedness in Chile and in other tsunami prone countries. Tsunami evacuation tends to be faster in Chile than in Tohoku, however, it is important to address tsunami arrival time in Chile can be much faster than in Tohoku. There are about 5 to 10% of people who did not evacuate as they think tsunami would not come to their places or they want to protect homes from thieves. Also it is important to consider how to support elderly and handicapped people for evacuation. Tsunami warning system in Chile is developing fast and now people are getting more frequent warnings than before in smaller seismic intensities. As for the travel means, majority of people evacuate on foot as they respect it is a basic tsunami safety rule. However, automobile evacuation tends to increase as car ownership and daily use of automobiles are getting more common in suburbs where evacuation places are far or in socially upper class communities. People evacuating on foot face various difficulties and threats due to the traffic jam by automobiles or fast running autos. The two earthquakes in Chile both occurred at night time when family members were mostly at home and together. In case of a daytime earthquake, people may try to get back home to see and help elderly or children at home or in nursing schools, and such two way trips by automobiles may increase traffic jam. Study on working people and working places such as industries and offices on tsunami evacuation, plans, protocols and awareness are also important.

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