● Tsunami Early Warning

(Tsunami detection, picture from BBC News)

        Tsunami Warning System (TWS) is available in the Pacific region to monitor seismological and tidal stations throughout the Pacific Basin and  evaluate potentially tsunami-capable earthquakes and disseminating tsunami warning information.

(DART buoy system in the Pacific, picture from NOAA)

        National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates two warning centers in the Pacific: the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC in Hawaii) and Alaska Tsuanmi Warning Center (ATWC). Once an earthquake is detected capable of generating tsunami, an initial warning will be sent out. The buoy system (DART) throughout the Pacific detects sea levels in real time to confirm the generation of a tsunami and second warning will be released.

 ● We cannot prevent the occurrence of a tsunami. What can we do and what do we need to keep in mind in case of a tsunami?

        • Pay attention to national/natural warnings of an earthquake;

        • Abandon belongings, save your life first, not your possessions;

        • Go to upper floor or roof of a solid building;

        • Or, as a last resort, climb a tall strong tree or onto something that floats;

        • Expect many waves. The next wave may be bigger and tsunami may last for hours;

        •  Don't count on roads. Roads may be damaged by earthquakes;