LIHUE—Tsunami Awareness Week is observed nationally from March 24 to March 30. It serves as a precursor to Tsunami Awareness Month in April and emphasizes the importance of being prepared and emergency-ready.
On Monday, tsunami fears hit many residents after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the west coast of South Island, New Zealand. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA issued a ‘No Tsunami Warning or Threat’ for Hawaii; however, New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency NEMA did issue a ‘National Tsunami Activity’ advisory and warned residents via X social platform, stating;
“Strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges will continue for several hours, and the threat must be regarded as real until this Advisory is canceled.”
New Zealand’s Minister of Police and Emergency Management-Recovery, Mark Mitchell, also stated via X and warned, “An Emergency Mobile Alert has been issued for the bottom of the South Island. Evacuations are NOT required, but there is potential danger near the shoreline. We are asking people to stay away from the beach and water. Strong and unusual currents may be experienced.”
The advisory was rescinded on Tuesday, March 25.
Hawaii Red Cross and Pacific Islands Director of Communications Matthew Wells explained that New Zealand’s earthquake on Monday is a perfect reminder to take action and stay emergency-ready.
“We should take any reminder as an opportunity to review our own checklist of preparedness that will ensure the safety of our family, friends, and neighbors,” explained Wells.
“Tsunamis can strike suddenly or originate far away and build as they travel to our islands. Either way, when one is created, we need to already have a plan in place.”
Coincidentally, on Tuesday, the Kauai Emergency Management Agency KEMA launched a new ‘Siren Reporting Tool’ that allows residents and businesses to monitor the All-Hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System, kicking off Tsunami Awareness Week on the Garden Island.
Hawaii is equipped with the largest single integrated All-Hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System for public safety in the world, and Kauai has 55 siren towers across the island. The sirens warn residents of both natural and man-made events or threats, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents, dam breaches, and more.
“We encourage everyone, especially those who live or work near sirens, to report whether they heard the siren or noticed any malfunctions,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio.
“Community feedback is critical to maintaining a reliable alert system. This is an opportunity for residents and businesses to play an active role in disaster preparedness.”
Participating in the survey indicates residents and businesses will be ready for testing on April 1, launching ‘Tsunami Awareness Month.’ Individuals will listen and note if the sirens are functioning properly throughout the island and alerting the public of emergencies. After the survey, the results will assist KEMA and the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) in reporting any issues, such as unusual or unclear sounds, activation failures, or visible damage.
The All-Hazard Outdoor Siren Warning System test is conducted every first of the month at 11:45 a.m. and features a 60-second tone with a siren output of 121 decibels that propagates at a manufactured radius of 3,400 feet. The system was put into place 79 years ago after an 8.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Alaska on April 1, 1946, triggering a tsunami that caused significant damage in Hilo.
The survey is voluntary; residents and businesses interested in participating can visit: https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Emergency-Management-Agency
For further information on preparedness and tsunami evacuation zones and locations, visit HawaiiEMA@hawaii.gov or call 808.733.4300. Another way to remain informed is by downloading the Hawaii Red Cross Emergency App, which provides excellent tips on Go-Bags, alerts, and shelter locations.
