Japan , where tsunami science and response measures first began following a disaster in 1896 , has produced ever-more elaborate countermeasures and response plans . The country has built many tsunami walls of up to high to protect populated coastal areas . Other localities have built floodgates of up to high and channels to redirect the water from an incoming tsunami . However , their effectiveness has been questioned , as tsunamis often overtop the barriers
disaster in 1896
1896 Sanriku earthquake
Tsunami