Lyla Lindsey
Australia has an independent tsunami warning service, the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC), which issues tsunami warnings and provides at least 90 minutes of warning. While Australia has not had a land-threat tsunami since colonisation, there is still a risk of a tsunami occurring. In December 2024, a tsunami that started in Indonesia reached Australia. The chance of Queensland being flooded due to a tsunami is very low, but the most likely impact is a marine threat, which can put swimmers and mariners in danger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tsunami occurrence in Australia | Yes, tsunamis can happen in Australia and damage its shores, even if they start far out at sea. |
| Tsunami warning system in Australia | The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) issues tsunami warnings for Australia and provides at least 90 minutes of warning. |
| Natural warning signs of a tsunami | Feeling the earth shake, seeing the ocean level drop dramatically, and hearing unusual roaring sounds from the ocean. |
| Actions to take during a tsunami | Move to higher ground, listen to local radio stations, and refer to official sources for warnings and advice. |
| Tsunami watch and warning icons | Yellow for advice, Red for emergency warning. |
| Types of tsunami threats | Marine threat (more likely) and land threat (low risk). |
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What You'll Learn
Australia has an independent tsunami warning service
Tsunamis can happen in Australia and can damage its shores, even if they start far out at sea. They are caused by a sudden movement or displacement of water due to earthquakes, underwater landslides, and volcanic eruptions. A tsunami is a series of waves, and the first wave is often not the largest. They normally do not break like typical beach waves and can push water further inland, causing flooding and leading to onshore damage.
The chance of a tsunami in Queensland is considered very low because it is not located near major sources like Indonesia, Japan, or the Pacific Islands. The most likely impact is called a "marine threat", which includes unusual waves, dangerous rips, and currents that can endanger swimmers and mariners.
If a tsunami occurs, people are advised to quickly move to higher ground and listen to local radio stations, TV announcements, or social media alerts for information, warnings, and advice. Additionally, individuals can call 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 626) for the latest warning information and their local emergency authority on 132 500 for emergency assistance.
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How to prepare for a tsunami in Australia
While tsunamis that cause land inundation are uncommon in Australia, it's still important to prepare, especially if you live near the water or on the WA or NSW coasts, which are geographically close to active tectonic plate boundaries. Here are some ways to prepare for a tsunami in Australia:
Have a Plan
Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do and write it down. Decide where you and your family will go if there is a tsunami, and tell friends and family about this plan.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Have an up-to-date emergency kit that is easily accessible to everyone in your household. Include essential supplies, medications, a mobile phone, and other items that you can carry.
Know the Warning Signs
Tsunamis are caused by a sudden movement or displacement of water due to earthquakes, underwater landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Know the natural warning signs, such as earthquakes, rumbling or roaring sounds, or sudden changes in the behaviour of the ocean—the sea may recede dramatically before a tsunami.
Stay Informed
Listen to your local radio station, such as ABC Radio, or watch ABC News for warnings and advice. You can also look out for alerts on TV, social media, and bookmark tsunami warning services or call 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 626).
Take Action
If a tsunami alert is issued, quickly move to higher ground—at least 10 meters above sea level or at least one kilometre inland. Do not go to the coast to watch, as there is a possibility of dangerous, localised flooding. If you are at home, grab your emergency kit, medications, mobile phone, and other essential supplies. Make sure everyone is wearing sturdy shoes and clothing.
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What to do if there is a tsunami warning in Australia
Australia has experienced the impacts of major tsunamis, and there is always a chance of more. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) issues tsunami warnings for Australia and provides at least 90 minutes of warning.
If there is a tsunami warning in Australia, it is important to remain calm and follow official instructions. Here is a list of actions to take:
- Listen to local radio and TV announcements for the latest warning information, instructions, and advice.
- Call 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 626) for further information.
- If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency authority on 132 500.
- If possible, move to higher ground, at least ten meters above sea level or one kilometer away from the coast and rivers.
- If you are in a boat, return to shore, secure your boat, and move away from the waterfront.
- Avoid going to the beach or waterfront areas to observe the tsunami.
- Follow any evacuation orders and have a plan for where to go and what to take. Work with your community to plan and help each other.
- Keep yourself informed by downloading relevant apps and setting up watch zones for notifications on changing conditions and potential hazards.
It is important to remember that tsunamis can cause flooding and dangerous currents, tides, and coastal water disruptions. They are often a series of waves, and the first wave may not be the largest. Always act on the first warning and follow all safety advice.
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What are the natural warning signs of a tsunami?
While modern warning systems can be precise, they are often not fast enough to warn of a quake close to the shoreline. Fortunately, there are a few natural warning signs that can indicate an approaching tsunami. These signs can be easily recognized and include:
- Strong ground shaking from an earthquake: If you are on the coast and experience a long earthquake (20 seconds or more) or a very strong earthquake that knocks you off your feet, it may have caused a tsunami, so escape immediately to higher ground or inland, avoiding river valleys. It is important to note that you may not always be able to feel an earthquake that causes a tsunami, as it may be too far away or the ground conditions may dampen the shakes.
- Unusual sea-level fluctuations: A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters is a sign that a tsunami may be approaching. If you see the water quickly recede from a beach, exposing the ocean floor (the so-called drawback), or a sudden rise in sea level, escape immediately to higher ground or inland.
- Abnormally large waves: The first wave in a tsunami wave train is usually not the largest, so if you see an abnormally huge wave, even bigger waves could be coming soon.
It is important to listen to early warning systems, such as sirens or phone alerts, and take immediate action if any of these natural signs occur. If you are in a hazard zone and feel an earthquake or receive a tsunami warning, remain calm, drop to the ground, cover your head, and hold on. Then, quickly move to higher ground (100 feet above sea level) or at least one mile inland outside of the tsunami hazard zone.
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What are the different types of tsunami warnings?
Australia has an independent tsunami warning service, the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC), which issues tsunami warnings and provides at least 90 minutes of warning. The JATWC issues Official Tsunami Watches, Tsunami Warnings, No Threat Bulletins, Tsunami Cancellations, and Tsunami Warning Summaries. A National Tsunami Watch is issued when an undersea earthquake has been detected and there is a potential tsunami threat to Australia. If there is no threat, a National Tsunami No Threat Bulletin will be issued.
Tsunami warnings will indicate a threat level and whether tsunamis are likely to cause damage to the shore, or only pose a marine threat, with localized overflow and dangerous rips, waves, and currents.
In addition to official warnings, it is important to be aware of natural warning signs. A tsunami may be imminent if you feel the earth shake, see the ocean level drop dramatically, or hear unusual roaring sounds from the ocean. If you notice any of these signs, you should warn others and move to higher ground.
You can stay informed of official tsunami warnings through radio, TV, and social media announcements, or by calling 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 6264).
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Frequently asked questions
You should listen to your local radio and TV announcements or call 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 626) for the latest warning information. For emergency assistance, call your local emergency authority on 132 500.
If you are near the ocean and feel the ground shake, a strong earthquake may have occurred and possibly caused a tsunami. You may also see the ocean level drop dramatically before returning as a wall of water. You might also hear unusual roaring sounds from the ocean.
A tsunami is a series of waves caused by a sudden movement or displacement of water due to earthquakes, underwater landslides, and volcanic eruptions. Unlike normal waves, they don't break quickly and can push water further inland, causing flooding and destruction.
