Tsunamis
Tsunmais are Hawaii’s most deadly natural hazard. They have killed more people in Hawaii than earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, and floods combined.
Two types of Tsunamis strike our coast:
- Pacific-wide tsunamis: Created by large Earth-quakes, they travel to Hawaii from different areas like Asia, South America or Alaska.
- Locally-generated tsunamis: Produced by geologic activity in the islands.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning System (PTWC) monitors earthquakes and measures tsunmai waves are seas. When a tsunami warning is issued, coastal sirens will sound. (Sirens are test on the 1st workday of every month at 11:45am.)
HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM!
- When you hear the sirens:
- Turn on your radio or local television station for more information. (*see map)
- If you are in a tsunmai evacuation zone, evacuate immediatetly and more to higher ground.
- When a tsunami is generated locally:
- There may not be time for the sirens to sound before waves begin coming ashore.
- Your only warning may be to feel the ground shake from an earthquake or seeing the see suddenly withdraw or begin to surge inland.
- If you feel a strong earthquake, move to higher ground immediately.
Do not return to coastal areas until you hear from County authorities.
- Dangrerous tsunami waves may continue to come ashore for several hours.
- No matter where a tsunmai originates, the waves will wrap around an island. All sides of our islands are at risk.
Remember: If you are in a low-lying coastal area, you are at risk from tsunamis.
