New Zealand often experiences earthquakes and tsunamis; however, this fact hasn’t deterred travelers from visiting the country. This part of the world situated on the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire has caused 90% of the world earthquakes, and roughly 59% of the world’s tsunamis. Locals are often prepared and know how to react during an emergency, but what about travelers?
Even though major tsunamis are a rare occurrence and smaller waves are common, a tsunami warning is a concerning experience for travelers. Many travelers may feel unprepared to detect early warning signs, or don’t have the same access to information, training, or warning networks.
This is why Safeture was created; to keep travelers stay safe.
The travel app provides real-time alerts straight to your smartphone, based on your location. No matter where you are in the world Safeture will provide the right information to travelers in emergencies.
During the Earthquake and subsequent tsunami in New Zealand on the 13th of November, 2016, SAFEY sent out six alerts. Beginning with the first 7.4 magnitude earthquake, and the three subsequent earthquakes. SAFEY also sent SMS and push notification alerts to users when the tsunami warning was issued. Users received a text message alerting of the wave 45 minutes before it hit the shoreline. A rate quicker than major news organizations and other travel security apps.
The warning signs for a tsunami are:
- Severe shaking ground caused from an earthquake.
- When a tsunami approaches water may recede from the shoreline, which exposes the ocean floor.
- An abnormal loud roar is caused by the approaching wall of water, which is like a train or a jet engine.