Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency

     The Tsunami Watch issued for Hawaii was cancelled shortly before 9:00 this morning, Hawaii time. The watch was issued following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake along the fault line near the Solomon Islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency was partially activated following the quake. Operations have since returned to normal.
A Tsunami Watch is issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) to alert emergency management officials and the public of an event which may impact the state. At this level emergency management officials and the public should prepare to take action.
A Tsunami Advisory is issued when updated information has been received that there is a potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or in close proximity to the ocean.
A Tsunami Warning is issued when a tsunami with the potential to generate widespread inundation is imminent, expected, or occurring. Warnings alert the public that dangerous coastal flooding accompanied by powerful currents is possible and may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival.
Vern Miyagi, administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency says “Whenever severe weather or seismic events are occurring, it’s important for all of us to know where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Get ahead of the situation and be prepared. We should know whether or not we live or work in tsunami evacuation zones, and have plans for efficient evacuation of ourselves, our workers, and our families.” The following website provides some of that information: dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/