STEM-15

Project Title

SHAI-LOU-TIAN : Interactive Simulation of Tsunami

Summary

Preparedness is a must when we are talking about calamities and natural

phenomena; Tsunami is one of them. Even though the Philippines is not that

vulnerable to tsunamis, proper mitigation, and concrete plans are still important.

Thus, the creation of an interactive model can still contribute by equipping the

public with knowledge and preparing them.

The researchers have suggested making an interactive model that can be

placed anywhere for the public to use as the easiest way to spread and teach

preparedness. These models, SHAI-LOU-TIAN as the researcher named it will be

placed in areas that are frequently and near the seashore. Reducing the

devastating effects of tsunamis.

Background and Problem

The Philippines is located along the Ring of Fire and is facing the Pacific

Ocean, so it is vulnerable to earthquake-related events. This phenomenon

generates natural events such as the emergence of tsunamis which can cause

concerns for near coastal areas. On 17 August 1976, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake

in Moro Gulf produced up to 9-meter high tsunamis which devastated the

southwest coast of Mindanao and left more than 3,000 people dead, with at least
1,000 people missing. Also, on 15 November 1994, Mindoro Earthquake generated

tsunamis that left 49 casualties. (PHIVOLCS, 2024)

In the case of the Philippines, 66 out of 81 provinces, or 81% are exposed

to tsunamis. It covers 832 coastal municipalities and 25 coastal cities or 62% of the

Philippine population are in coastal municipalities and cities. (DOST-STII, 2022).

This scenario highlights the importance of awareness and education for the

community. Being prepared can lessen the fatality rate and prolong the lives of

individuals. It is important to equip Filipinos with knowledge about proper

planning and practices that are to be performed during, before, and after the

earthquake.

We cannot predict earthquakes and tsunamis, so therefore it is vital to

create informational innovations that can help guide citizens on what to prepare,

where to stay, how to be located, and when to evacuate. Given this, the researchers

came up with the idea of creating an engaging interactive model-based material

that can utilize the imagination of an individual and as well as cater to their needed

information.

Beneficiaries

State

The inclusion of an educational model can affect the thinking of the whole

state. This can reduce the possible casualties and teach the public about the scale

of the effect of tsunamis. Additionally, this reduces the vulnerability of the people of

the country.

Community
 Establishing this kind of simulation can improve the resilience of a

community. Developing prepared and educated people who are ready for the

possible effects of a tsunami.

Residents

The general masses can benefit from this interactive material can act as a

stimulus that can display and simulate a real-world problem.

Proposed Solution to the Problem Presented

SHAI-LOU-TIAN is an interactive model of the real-world problem tsunami.

Even though the Philippines is not that susceptible to tsunamis, equipping the

citizens with proper knowledge can greatly affect them as the most prone to this

kind of situation. SHAI-LOU-TIAN can act as a simulation of a tsunami hitting a

specific part of the Philippines. The researchers came up with this innovation to

help locals understand and navigate their area. This includes the map of their

municipality and its surrounding infrastructures. The important details and

features are marked with different symbols. Specific places of evacuation centers

and hazard-free areas are identified. Considering this, we can assure that people

will know where to proceed and which way to take. This idea promotes the safety

and well-being of everyone.

Stationed in a community near coastal areas, SHAI-LOU-TIAN’s map

display changes depending on the location. This small aquarium enclosure with

different visual aids represents a community being hit by a tsunami. A water pump

system will dictate the water’s pressure. Depending on the pressure of the air being

applied, the water acts like a tsunami with different intensities. The flowing waters
will spread across a specific distance within the map. Through this visual

representation, the community will understand the covered range of tsunamis

based on their intensity.

The constructed body of it is covered with visual posters and aids. It

includes information about the tsunami. We added preparations to be executed

before the tsunami, the proper actions observed during and the recovery process

after it. Aside from that, warning signals and water level information are provided.

It is crucial to make the locals understand the severity of the tsunami once it hits

their areas.

In case of an emergency such as being trapped inside the

infrastructure, they can save the rescue hotline number given in the visual posters.

Tips for survival and ways of asking for help in such worse cases are also

displayed. Preparedness may appear insignificant to others and that is why our

approach is not just simply reading but also engaging in a way that locals will enjoy

the process of learning.

Methods/Details

The figure below presents the visualized form of SHIA-LOU-TIAN.

The location of the model should consider the following

1. In a park where many people will see it and actually interact with it.

2. Far from roads as it can potentially put the model at risk of destruction

3. Place with a lot of shade, Sunlight can possibly affect the quality of the printed

visuals on the model.

SHAI-LOU-TIAN Parts

1. Map

A map of a specific district shall be presented on top of the table in order to show the escape routes
and evacuation centers of that district.

2. Glass

Strong glass material that will protect the map from the water that will flow on top of the table, as
well as glass that will block the water from flowing off.

3. Mouth

The mouth will shoot the water out of the pipes onto the top of the table where it will flow, simulating
a tsunami.
 4. Pipes

The pipes will transport the water from the top to the inside by using a basil attached to it.

5. Plastic Door

The plastic door, which is attached to a rope that is attached to the pulley. The door is to be able to
prevent the water from entering the sloped pipes (which will prevent it from spraying out.)

6. Pulley

The pulley is a simple handle that is attached to a rope that will activate the plastic door.

7. Air Pump

The air pump will pump air into the pipes which will push the water onto the top.

8. Anti-leak Piece

The anti-leak piece will be made out of a metal that is welded into the pipes. Its purpose is so that the
water coming down from the pipes will not leak into the hole where the rope is inserted in.

9. Information Board

The information board will show information on how tsunamis work, what to do before a tsunami,
how to evacuate, and what to do after, and the damage of tsunamis based on their intensity levels.

10. Table

The table is made out of wooden planks. Its purpose is to make the device easier to place in public
locations.

Cost Analysis

MATERIALS QUANTITY PRICE

PVC Pipes 2 1200 - 1500

Acrylic Glass 2 5000 – 10000

PVC Walls 1 5000 – 12000

Air Pump 1 200 – 300

Visual Aids 1 100 – 350

References

Introduction to Tsunami. Philippine Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

(PHIVOLCS). https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/tsunami/introduction-to-tsunami .

EXPERTS SAY TSUNAMI SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED; ASK COMMUNITIES, LGUS TO BE

PREPARED. Department of Science and Technology. Retrieved No 07, 2022 .https://stii.dost.gov.ph/1588-

experts-say-tsunami-should-not-be-taken-for-granted-ask-communities-lgus-to-be-prepared