Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with storm surge, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rapid rise of ocean water driven ashore by a cyclone or storm.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Leave coastal low areas immediately. Go inland uphill.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Official surge warning or rapid ocean rise during cyclone.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Water reaching roads, harbors, or ground floors unexpectedly fast.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Storm surge is a wall of water that can exceed 6 meters and move faster than you can run.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — It is the deadliest cyclone hazard for coastal communities.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Leave flood zone on foot if roads jam — do not delay for belongings.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move to designated shelter or higher ground inland.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Avoid basements and ground floors in surge zones.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Warn neighbors especially elderly on lower floors.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Evacuate early. Do not attempt water rescue in surge conditions.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if trapped on upper floor with water rising.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report location and number of people needing rescue.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Anyone swept by surge needs immediate rescue and medical care.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT shelter in coastal homes when surge is forecast.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT walk or drive through moving surge water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You can wait until you see water rising to evacuate
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Surge arrives fast and deep. Evacuate when warned before water is visible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Trapped on upper floors or swept away before help arrives.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Aftershock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The ground shakes again after the main earthquake.
Avalanche warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Avalanche danger is high on slopes where you are traveling or living.
Buried in avalanche
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone nearby is buried in avalanche snow.
Compound disaster
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple disasters overlap — e.g. earthquake and tsunami, cyclone and flood.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hypothermia and drowning occur within minutes in surge water.