HONOLULU (KHON2) — The National Weather Service said there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook the Alaska Peninsula.
The quake happened just before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16.
According to the City and County of Honolulu and NWS, “a tsunami threat exists for parts of the Pacific located closer to the earthquake.”
As reported by The Associated Press, residents along Alaska’s southern coast were ordered to higher ground due to a tsunami warning.
Types of Tsunami Alerts
According to the NWS, there are four types of tsunami alerts the public should be aware of: an urgent tsunami warning, a tsunami watch, a tsunami warning and a tsunami evacuation.
Urgent Tsunami Warning
An urgent tsunami warning is triggered when there is a possible tsunami due to a significant earthquake in local waters.
Sirens will sound and the public is advised to turn on the radio and leave for an evacuation zone immediately if this alert is announced.
Tsunami Watch
The NWS said this alert is issued when there is a significant earthquake in distant waters, but a tsunami approach has not been confirmed.
Sirens will not sound, but the public is advised to prepare for a possible upgrade to a tsunami warning.
Tsunami Warning
A tsunami warning is issued when a tsunami approach has been confirmed.
NWS officials said sirens will sound. The public should turn on the radio and be prepared to evacuate when advised by civil defense officials.
Tsunami Evacuation
During a tsunami evacuation alert, the public will hear sirens. Residents are advised to turn on the radio and begin evacuation when an advisory or order is issued by civil defense.
Tsunami Evacuation Maps
When the time comes to evacuate, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency advises remaining at least 100 feet away from any waterways or marinas connected to the ocean.
Hawaii residents should also familiarize themselves with their island’s evacuation map. For a full map, visit HI-EMA’s website.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
You can also view your island’s evacuation map below: