A tsunami is a sea wave usually generated by earthquake activity on the ocean floor. The earthquake has to be such that it displaces a massive amount of water thus triggering the wave. Tsunamis have more energy than a regular wave and so it will not break on the shore but can travel kilometers in land before doing so. Tsunamis will travel furthest on topography that is relatively flat or gently undulating like that of a coastal plain.
It's been years and years since I read this book and I still remember the horribly evil rent situation that was forced upon so many, basically making them slaves to their landlords. I also remember the finger of a worker being cut off and sealed into the can of meat
