A tsunami (aka tidal wave) could strike the U.S. coastline at any time. They are a series of water waves caused when a large volume of water is displaced. It can happen in the ocean or a large lake when there is an earthquake, volcanic eruption, and other disturbances above and below the water. And although a tsunami cannot be prevented, you can mitigate adverse impacts through community preparedness, timely warnings and effective response. To boost tsunami preparedness efforts in the United States, NOAA, FEMA, and the U.S. Geological Survey in coordination with the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP), a partnership among these federal agencies and 29 U.S. states and territories, are promoting and supporting National Tsunami Preparedness Week, March 23–29. During this week, NOAA and its partners will promote safety and awareness and urge coastal residents and visitors to prepare themselves and their families for a tsunami. Check out the website to make sure you know what to do, whether you live on the coast or one day visit.

OK, time for a different side. We’ve compiled a few selections for our third installment of Disaster Movie Showcase: Tsunamis, Tidal Waves, and Rogue Waves! (No documentaries or “based on true events,” though I do recommend The Impossible, Tsunami: the Aftermath, and the Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom)

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

A group of passengers struggle to survive and escape, when their ocean liner completely capsizes at sea. Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters

Poseidon (2006)

On New Year’s Eve, the luxury ocean liner, Poseidon, capsizes after being swamped by a rogue wave. The survivors are left to fight for survival as they attempt to escape the sinking ship. Richard Dreyfuss, Kurt Russell, Emmy Rossum

Titanic II (2010)

On the 100th anniversary of the original voyage, a modern luxury liner christened “Titanic 2,” follows the path of its namesake. But when a tsunami hurls an ice berg into the new ship’s path, the passengers and crew must fight to avoid a similar fate. Shane Van Dyke, Marie Westbrook, Bruce Davison

Malibu Shark Attack (2009)

When a tsunami floods Malibu, it brings with it a hunting pack of deep-water, prehistoric goblin sharks that go after the lifeguards in their half-submerged station on stilts and a team of construction workers stranded in a flooded house. Renee Bowen, Remi Broadway, Joel Amos Byrnes

Tidal Wave: No Escape (1997)

When brutal tidal waves suddenly destroy many coastal communities in a short period of time, John Wahl, a nobel prize winner, is brought out of his lazy retirement and back into service as a consultant. He teams up with a Navy officer to find out the cause of the disaster. But when a ransom of one billion dollars is demanded, Wahl is the government’s number one suspect. Corbin Bernsen, Julianne Phillips, Gregg Henry

Tidal Wave (1973)

Racked by earthquakes and volcanos, Japan is slowly sinking into the sea. A race against time and tide begins as Americans and Japanese work together to salvage some fraction of the disappearing Japan. Lorne Greene, Keiju Kobayashi, Rhonda Leigh Hopkins

Disaster Wars: Earthquake vs. Tsunami (2013)

Which ever one wins. We lose. Reggie Bannister, Priscilla Barnes, Joe Estevez

Tidal Wave (2009)

Professor Kim, a marine geologist, recognizes the impending danger of a mega tsunami headed straight for Haeundae, a popular vacation spot on the south coast of Korea. Ji-won Ha, Nicole Dionne, Kyung-gu Sol

VS: The Movie (2011)

After a devastating tsunami in 2010, southern Florida and the Caribbean islands have been left in ruin. Citizens attempt to rebuild their lives and start anew, but the streets have been taken over by gangs and overrun with criminals. Bryce DiCristofalo, Rachael Thompson, Daryl McGwier

S.O.S. Tidal Wave (1939)

Ralph Byrd, George Barbier, Kay Sutton

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