North-Eastern Atlantic, Mediterranean and connected seas

Tsunami Information Centre

What to do ?

  1. All earthquakes do not cause tsunamis, but many do. When you know that an earthquake has occurred, stand by for a tsunami emergency message.
  2. An earthquake in your area is one of nature's tsunami warning signals. Do not stay in low-lying coastal areas after a strong earthquake has been felt.
  3. Tsunamis are sometimes preceded by a noticeable fall in sea level as the ocean retreats seaward exposing the seafloor. A roar like an oncoming train may sometimes be heard as the tsunami wave rushes toward the shore. These are also nature's tsunami warning signals.
  4. A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves carrying a massive volume of water that can flood and inundate land for hours. The first wave may not be the largest. Stay out of danger areas until an "all-clear" is issued by a recognized authority.
  5. A small tsunami at one point on the shore can be extremely large a few kilometers away. Don't let the modest size of one make you lose respect for all.
  6. All warnings to the public must be taken very seriously, even if some are for non-destructive events.
  7. All tsunamis are potentially dangerous, even though they may not damage every coastline they strike.
  8. Never go down to the shore to watch for a tsunami. When you can see the wave, you are too close to outrun it. Most tsunamis are like flash floods full of debris. Tsunami waves typically do not curl and break, so do not try to surf a tsunami.
  9. If you live in a coastal area, be prepared and know nature's tsunami warning signals.
  10. During a tsunami emergency, your local civil defense, police, and other emergency organizations will try to save your life. Give them your fullest cooperation.