Hawaiʻi County Reminds Residents of Risks From Locally Generated Tsunamis

Hawaiʻi County Reminds Residents of Risks
From Locally Generated Tsunamis

The County of Hawaiʻi Civil Defense Agency is recognizing Tsunami Awareness Month this April by highlighting the risks from tsunamis generated by local earthquakes.

With a distant tsunami, residents would be warned hours in advance. However, a tsunami generated by a local earthquake could occur before any warning can be issued.

“This November marks the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Kalapana earthquake, which generated a tsunami that tragically took the lives of two people,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “A locally generated tsunami can occur with little notice, and we encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs and know their evacuation routes wherever they live, work and play.”

Know the Warning Signs

By paying attention to the following key indicators, residents can recognize that a locally generated tsunami is imminent and move to higher ground:

• Feel: If the ground shakes so strongly you have difficulty standing, or if you feel any shaking that lasts more than 20 seconds, a tsunami may follow.
• Listen: Tsunamis often roar or make a sound like a freight train as they approach.
• Look: If the ocean does anything strange – an unusual rise or fall of sea level lasting several minutes – expect a big wave to appear.

“Earthquakes are damaging and frightening,” said Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno. “That’s why having a clear, practiced plan is vital when you are at the ocean, as you may need to move to higher ground immediately. Please visit our Civil Defense website for more information on tsunamis, including tsunami evacuation maps.”

Tsunami Resources
• Tsunami Evacuation Maps: View the maps here
• Tsunami Preparedness Video: Watch here

For more information, please visit the Civil Defense website: https://hawaii-county-civil-defense-agency-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com.

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