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LĪHU‘E – Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) and other emergency management partners across the state are promoting public awareness and preparedness in recognition of April being Tsunami Awareness Month in Hawai‘i.
“A tsunami can occur suddenly, often with minimal warning. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions for your safety,” said KEMA Administrator Elton Ushio. “Everyone should know Kaua‘i’s tsunami evacuation zones in relation to where they live, work, or spend time. Identifying the quickest route or routes to higher ground ahead of time is also important. Check Kaua‘i’s tsunami evacuation zones and prepare a plan for potential evacuations."
Hawai‘i observes Tsunami Awareness Month in April to remember the April 1, 1946 tsunami that was generated by a large earthquake in the Aleutian Islands. With no tsunami warning system then, the tsunami arrived unexpectedly, resulting in 159 fatalities in Hawaii. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center was founded 3 years later, and it currently serves as one of two regional warning centers for the United States, while also providing tsunami notifications and warning to 25+ other countries.
A banner with information regarding historical tsunami wave run-up heights will be on display in the Mo‘ikeha building as well as the Kapule building during the month of April. Maps of tsunami evacuation zones and preparedness information can be found on the county website,http://www.kauai.gov/kema.
The Hawai‘i State Department of Education, Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Branch produced a video, which provides a brief introduction of how a tsunami is generated, different types of tsunamis, signs of a local tsunami, the tsunami warning system, and how to plan for and respond to a tsunami threat. You can view that video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgqzEYVOrL4.
To sign up for the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the county’s emergency notification service, please go to the county’s website,www.kauai.gov/kemaand click on "WENS." You may also call the Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency at 808-241-1800.
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