SRD Launches Northwest Vancouver Island Tsunami Storymap

The Strathcona Regional District has launched the Northwest Vancouver Island Tsunami Storymap - aimed at allowing residents and visitors to make informed emergency preparedness plans and keep people safe during a tsunami.

“A story map is a web map that has been thoughtfully created, given context, and provided with supporting information so it becomes a stand-alone resource. It integrates maps, legends, text, photos, and video and provides functionality that helps users explore the content” said SRD Chair Mark Baker.

“As users move through the story map, locations related to the story either appear or can be navigated to using underlined links in the text. At any time through this experience, the users can jump onto the map and move around on their own with the navigation tools.”

This story map is available at Northwest Vancouver Island Tsunami Storymap.

It was created to communicate findings of the Northwest Vancouver Island Tsunami Risk Assessment Project, a joint effort by Ocean Networks Canada, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants, Strathcona Regional District, local governments and First Nations living in the study area.

The story map demonstrates findings from the tsunami risk assessment through maps, figures, photos, and video while reflecting on stories about similar events which have been passed down through oral tradition within the indigenous population.

SRD Protective Services Coordinator Shaun Koopman says reflecting on the past is one way we can validate the results of their tsunami models.

To prepare for a tsunami risk, people living and working in tsunami hazard zones are encouraged to practice their evacuation routes on foot or bike with family, friends, or colleagues.  

Additionally, people are encouraged to prepare by making a home emergency plan and gathering supplies to build a home emergency kit and grab-and-go bags.