What causes tsunamis to be so destructive?

Tsunamis are destructive because they involve the movement of large volumes of water, often with immense energy. When a tsunami reaches shallow coastal areas, the waves slow down and increase in height, creating a wall of water that can inundate land. The rapid flow of water can destroy buildings, uproot trees, and displace large amounts of sediment. Tsunamis often strike with little warning, compounding their devastating impact on communities.