In Iceland, the tsunami hazard is classified as low according to the information that is currently available. This means that there is slightly more than a 2% chance of a potentially-damaging tsunami occurring in the next 50 years. Based on this information, the impact of tsunami may be considered for any activities located near the coast.
Even though there is a low risk of Tsunami, Iceland has experienced something similar. Mini-Tsunamis caused by glacial calving are an interesting phenomenon and are a fairly common occurrence, but they do not cause damage or injure people because they usually happen in areas that people do not live in. Here is a quick clip of some tourists running from such an event.
Watch: Tourists flee large wave after Icelandic glacier collapse
Climate change impact: The areas at risk of tsunami will increase as global mean sea level rises. According to the IPCC (2013), global mean sea level rise depends on a variety of factors, and estimates for 2100 range from ~20 cm to nearly 1 m. However, regional changes in sea level are difficult to predict.
Iceland’s Meteorological Office (IMO) has an early warning system and there is public outreach to inform the public as to what they should do to stay safe in the unlikely event that there is a tsunami. I also found these instructions on Ready.gov
Survive DURING
If there is an earthquake and you are in a tsunami area, protect yourself from the earthquake first. Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl only if you can reach a better cover, but do not go through an area with more debris.
When the shaking stops, if there are natural signs or official warnings of a tsunami, move immediately to a safe place as high and as far inland as possible. Listen to the authorities, but do not wait for tsunami warnings and evacuation orders.
If you are outside of the tsunami hazard zone and receive a warning, stay where you are unless officials tell you otherwise.
Leave immediately if you are told to do so. Evacuation routes often are marked by a wave with an arrow in the direction of higher ground.
If you are in the water, then grab onto something that floats, such as a raft or tree trunk.
If you are in a boat, face the direction of the waves and head out to sea. If you are in a harbor, go inland.
Think Hazard:
YouTube Watch: Tourists flee large wave after Icelandic glacier collapse
Government of Iceland:
https://www.ready.gov/tsunamis
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