November 5 was World Tsunami Awareness Day, an effort by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to increase understanding of and reduce vulnerabilities to these rare but extremely deadly disasters. In December 2004, when a tsunami killed more than 200,000 people in 11 countries around the Indian Ocean, other areas of the world were also reminded of their own tsunami risks. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, devastating tsunamis have struck North America before and are sure to strike again. Especially vulnerable are the five Pacific States—Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California—and the U.S. Caribbean islands. Significant portions of the Australian and Canadian coastlines are also at risk for tsunamis. To help reduce vulnerabilities to these incidents, the World Tsunami Awareness Day website contains stories and blogs as well as links to upcoming events, resources, and educations materials. World Tsunami Awareness Day.