What's a TSUNAMI?
- a series of ocean waves that can be a threat to residents of coastal areas
- may last for several hours
- may be generated by earthquakes nearby or far away
- may come at any time with little or no warning
- may be monitored by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWS)
Today seems like a fitting day for this topic, with the 8.8 earthquake in Chile generating a wave that's coming our way here in Hawaii.
It's 9:40 am and we're under a tsunami warning, meaning we are expecting a tsunami around 11:30 am here on Maui, Hawaii.
Some parts of Maui have already been evacuated, as of very early this morning - see the civil defense notification here.
Are you prepared on Maui? Take the preparedness test. Look for the maps in your telephone book yellow pages which will show the historical food inundation zones.
Don't worry, there is a very loud WARNING SIREN located in coastal areas. There will probably be plenty of time to warn Hawaii residents of any impending tsunamis.
The siren is tested on or about the first day of the month, so don't be alarmed if you hear this. Simply tune in to any radio/TV station for instructions on evacuation procedure. The last tsunami on Maui's northshore was in 1964, caused by an earthquake in Alaska. Residents were warned, and no lives were lost. Strong earthquakes that originate in Hawaii are rare. Even if there is a tsunami warning, it doesn't mean there definitely will be a tsunami. In 1984 there was a "false alarm" and everyone waited for the big one that thankfully never came.
Whatever you do, don't go down to the beach to pick up fish. And don't go surfing!
Other related posts:
- What's a TMK number on Maui?
- What's a Residential Condo?
- What's a condo-tel?
- What's an Ohana?
- What's Makai and Mauka?
- DOM - huh?
- Maui County Property Tax website