Ready San Diego Blog

Learn What To Do For A Tsunami

As part of Tsunami Awareness Week, residents are encouraged to learn how to respond in the event of a tsunami off any coast including San Diego.

While historically, San Diego has not experienced a devastating tsunami after a strong earthquake such as Chile and America Samoa, it is still important for residents to learn how to recognize the signs of a tsunami and know what to do.

A tsunami is a series of fast-moving, powerful ocean waves that can cause a rapid innundation of low-lying coastal areas. The waves can result in damage or, in severe cases, sweep people away, and destroy buildings and cars. The tsunami is usually the result of a strong far-source or offshore earthquake, but it could also be caused by an offshore landslide.

You do not need to wait for an official warning to react, if you are on or near the coast and feel a strong earthquake that shakes for 20 seconds or longer, or if you're at the beach and see water start to recede from the shore suddenly. If this happens, you should immediately move inland at least a mile, and head for higher ground. If you are warned or advised to stay out of the water and off the beaches for safety purposes, please listen to authorities.  

For more information on tsunamis, visit www.readysandiego.org, or review these brochures at http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/oes/docs/Tsunami_Risk_San_Diego_2005.pdf or http://www.stormready.noaa.gov/tsunamiready/resources/Tsmi_Brochure10.pdf.

Tsunami Advisory Issued For The California And Oregon Coastline

An 8.0 magnitude earthquake in Samoa has resulted in a small tsunami wave event that will hit the California and Oregon coast after 9 p.m. tonight. The National Weather Service West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center estimates the waves will be less than 50 centimeters high in our region and should not result in any damage to our coastal communities or a need for an evacuation of coastal areas. 

“We recommend that coastal residents stay out of the water and boaters stay docked tonight due to the strong currents and choppy waters. While we do not expect any damaging waves or inundation, for safety purposes we are discouraging people from going to the beach or harbors and marinas to view the event,” said Ron Lane, director of the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services. 

The tsunami wave event is expected to arrive along the San Diego coast shortly after 9 p.m., and will increase in strength for the next few hours. The National Weather Service West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center has issued a tsunami advisory for the California and Oregon coastline. To learn more about the tsunami advisory please visit http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/. The San Diego County Office of Emergency Services “Tsunamis: Know What To Do!” video is featured at the bottom of the page and can also be viewed at www.readysandiego.org.