celitta y saritta: A solution to tsunami

Miguel Serrano, the local inventor and developer of the STATIM tsunami and flood shelter project, announced Thursday the launching of a global campaign to raise the $100,000 in financing he needs to expedite plans to build and commercialize his novel disaster preparedness technology. The STATIM (Storm, Tornado and Tsunami Interconnected Modules) Shelter System is basically a capsule comprised of a series of precast concrete modules, similar to large concrete pipes. The basic vessel is 75 feet long and 12 feet in diameter and can fit as many as 50 people at a time. Once assembled, the pod provides a watertight environment that is capable of floating and remaining upright, in case of massive flooding. Inside, the shelters are equipped with ventilation and various options of survival supplies capable of sustaining the occupants during and after an event, and until rescue personnel can assist. Puerto Rico is one of thousands of islands and coastal communities around the world where topography, proximity to seismic faults, remoteness, or lack of vertical evacuation alternatives make them extremely vulnerable to the devastation of events such as tsunami-triggering earthquakes and other natural threats. Serrano said that his campaign provides a great opportunity for citizens of the world to participate in such an important, life-saving project, even with a contribution of as little as $5 and that this is the perfect example of how small actions, multiplied by thousands of people, can change the world . So far, companies in Japan, Holland and the U.S. mainland, specifically in Louisiana, have shown interest in ordering pods that will be integrated into emergency preparation strategies.