The most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan struck at 2:46 PM local time on Mar. 11 near the city of Sendai. The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at an 8.9-magnitude, and has been followed by dozens and dozens of aftershocks. Friends located in Tokyo, 200 miles from the epicenter, reported long, eerie shaking and multiple evacuations. The death toll is likely to surpass a thousand.
The quake set off Tsunami Warnings and Advisories throughout the Pacific, including for Hawaii and the West Coast of the U.S. NOAA installed the last buoy in the Pacific Ocean to complete the US Tsunami Warning System nearly three years ago to the day. The warnings and alerts it generates should provide critical information needed not only for evacuation but other preparations that can save lives. A map of predicted wave heights following the Sundai earthquake shows the tremendous area-impact of tsunamis across multiple hemispheres.
How does the Tsunami Warning and Advisory system work?
As with hurricane and tornado warnings and watches in much of the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern parts of the U.S., the level of the threat should trigger different protective steps. The California Coast along with portions of the coasts of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska are under the highest level of threat—a warning. Other parts of Oregon and Washington along with British Columbia are under a Tsunami Advisory.
A Tsunami Warning means that all coastal residents in the warning area who are near the beach or in low-lying regions should move immediately inland to higher ground and away from all harbors and inlets including those sheltered directly from the sea. Those feeling the earth shake, seeing unusual wave action, or the water level rising or receding may have only a few minutes before the tsunami arrival and should move immediately. Homes and small buildings are not designed to withstand tsunami impacts. Do not stay in these structures.
A shorthand guide to the Tsunami warning system:
Warning -> Inundating wave possible -> Full evacuation suggested
Advisory -> Strong currents likely -> Stay away from the shore
Watch -> Danger level not yet known -> Stay alert for more info
Information -> Minor waves at most -> No action suggested
In January 2008, Kelley Coyner began her work as the new Chief of Staff of the Senior Policy Group of the National Capital Region (NCR). In that capacity, she has helped NCR’s emergency planning leadership implement its strategic priorities including major new investments in building medical surge capacity, better integrated applications of technology, and high impact law enforcement and detection and prevention efforts with respect to... More about Kelley Coyner
