Tsunami

  • A tsunami is a series of ocean wave masses generated primarily by earthquakes.
  • Underwater volcanic eruptions and landslides can also generate tsunamis.
  • It is difficult to predict a tsunami, the public are urged to prepare for an event with little warning.
  • Tsunamis can strike year-round and during any time of the day or night.

Before a Tsunami Event

  • If there is a tsunami warning, evacuate your house or place of work for higher ground if you are in a tsunami evacuation zone.
  • If you are near the ocean and you feel the earth shake, move immediately to higher ground.
  • If you are unable to quickly leave the tsunami evacuation zone, find a Structural steel or reinforced concrete buildings of ten or more stories and go to the fourth floor or higher; this is called vertical evacuation.
  • Know where your county’s Safe Zones or Refuge Centers are located. This is where people who have evacuated coastal areas can safely stay during a tsunami.

After a Tsunami Event

  • Tsunamis often come in multiple waves over a period of hours. Resist the temptation to watch the waves, especially if the water seems to draw back, exposing the ocean floor.
  • Return home only after authorities say it is safe to do so. Not only could there be hazards and debris in certain areas, but roads may still need to be clear for rescue and recovery efforts.
  • Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid where appropriate – but only when the surroundings are safe.

Tsunami Evacuation Zones

Important Map Notes

  • Remain at least 100 feet away from inland waterways and marinas connected to the ocean due to wave surges and possible flooding.
  • If possible, remove or deploy vessels to deep water (at least 100 fathoms).
  • Structural steel or reinforced concrete buildings of 10 or more stories provide increased protection on or above the fourth floor.
  • The evacuation zone is a guideline and should be considered the minimum safe evacuation distance.
  • These maps do not consider the destructive effects of a locally generated tsunami. If you feel shaking, move inland immediately, well away from the evacuation zone.

 

By County

County of Hawaiʻi

https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/Browse.aspx?startid=24604&dbid=1&cr=1

City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management

https://www.honolulu.gov/dem

https://static.pdc.org/tsunami/index.html

County of Kauaʻi

https://www.kauai.gov/KEMA

County of Maui (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi)

https://www.mauicounty.gov/261/Tsunami-Evacuation-Maps