Y Ddraig Goch

June 14 2025 - Fun with words - tsunami

Prompt: Have fun with these words- subitaneous, reflect, address, wave, fuss, restrict, key, waist, and chronography

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WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

The tsunami alarm rang out in a deafening tone to reflect the seriousness of this subitaneous situation.

It was the third alarm sounded in the last twenty-four hours. It was no longer just another precautionary measure, but earthquakes and the subsequent threat of tsunamis were a regular occurrence, and the island had response chronography in place to deal with it.

Rachel turned on the emergency radio to hear the latest broadcast and to listen to the key messages from Chief Beaumont, the head of the emergency response team.

“The wave approaching Port Harbour is expected to reach fifteen-foot when it hits landfall, and excess flooding will continue for the coming days.” Beaumont’s gruff, baritone voice rumbled through the speaker. “We have chosen to evacuate and restrict access to the harbour area. This is effective immediately and will remain in place until the immediate threat has passed. If you have not already done so, it is advised that you leave the area, taking only those items that are essential.

“Four relief and evacuation hubs are now up and running at Morant, Dupluis, Fairemont, and Graigar Mt. The staff at these facilities are available to address any concerns you may have,” He continued.

It was a repeated message and had been playing on a loop for the past twelve hours. The truth was that those that hadn’t already left were now on their own.

Rachel picked up Luca, who has started to fuss at the noise, and gently wrapped him around her waist, patting his back to sooth the toddler. From the cabin they could see the whole eastern side of the Island. The people below, who had decided to remain and defend their homes and livelihoods, scurried around like ants; boarding up windows and doors and scrambling to roof tops.

There was a few who had finally decided to run for the cover of the mountains. Their taillights wound around the mountain road like a red, glowing snake. Rachel wondered if those in the cars had left it too late. If the wave did come, like Beaumont had said, how far up the mountain would it reach.

She had no doubt that her and Luca would be safe. The cabin was well about sea-level, and she had packed enough provisions to last several weeks; add that to the cabin’s stores and they would be fine. Temporarily at least.

From the window, she watched in awe as the sea began to react. Exposed sandscapes usually hidden beneath metres of salted water. A wall of water loomed large on the horizon. A dark mass of certain death for anyone caught in its wake.

She held her breath. Nature was indeed terrifying when it cast it’s full force against those in it path.

The wave it hard. Devouring the pier and boardwalk and drowning the cafes and tourist shops in seconds. The water ran riot through the streets. Crashing over roofs and washing everything not firmly tethered away, including her neighbours.

Tomorrow they would start the clean-up, and in turn the healing, but today they focus would remain on surviving.