EDUCATION

Results from the GPS-Aided Tsunami Early-detection System (GATES) should be used with “natural warning signs”.

Natural Warning: Strong ground shaking, a loud roar from the ocean, the water receding from the shore unusually far and exposing the sea floor, or the water level rising rapidly are all nature’s warning signs that a tsunami may be coming. If you observe any of these signs, immediately move to higher ground or inland. A tsunami may arrive within minutes.

The earthquake or changes in the water at the shore may be your only warning, and you may have only minutes to get to high ground. Stay away from low areas until told by officials that the danger has passed. Waves may impact the coast at irregular intervals for ten hours or longer.

Strong local earthquakes may cause tsunamis. If the shaking causes you to fall or to have difficulty standing, this is your first natural tsunami warning sign. First, protect yourself from the earthquake effects. When the shaking stops, immediately leave the evacuation zone.

Receding water. As a tsunami approaches the shoreline, it could possibly expose the ocean floor, reef, and fish.

Seeing or hearing the water. You might see an approaching wall of water and/or hear a load roaring sound similar to that of a train or jet aircraft. A tsunami can wrap around islands and double its height on coasts not facing the source of the tsunami.