Recovery: What to do after a tsunami

If you have evacuated, it may not be safe to return home even when the water has returned to normal. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities and don’t return home until they tell you it is safe to do so.

Stay out of buildings if water remains around them. Tsunami water, like floodwater, can undermine foundations, causing buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse.

When re-entering homes or buildings, use extreme caution as floodwaters may have damaged buildings. Look before you step. After a tsunami, the ground and floors are covered with debris, including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery. Look for broken utility lines and report them to appropriate authorities.

Find out how to clean up if your property has been flooded by tsunami water.

Find out what to do if your property is damaged.

Check out the Insurance section for more information on how your property might be covered following a hazard event.

When ocean water comes ashore, it can carry microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and chemicals that can contaminate food and negatively affect human health.

Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with tsunami floodwater, including things stored in containers. It is impossible to know if containers have been damaged and the seals compromised.

Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Follow any boil water notice instructions from your local authorities.

• General advice about food safety in disaster and emergencies is available on the Ministry of Health website.