LIHU‘E — The anticipated series of up to 7-foot tsunami waves may not have materialized Saturday night, but the precautions taken by public safety officials and Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency were not overdone, say officials. “We thank all who contributed
LIHU‘E — The anticipated series of up to 7-foot tsunami waves may not have materialized Saturday night, but the precautions taken by public safety officials and Kaua‘i Civil Defense Agency were not overdone, say officials.
“We thank all who contributed to an excellent response to what could have been a disastrous situation,” Kaua‘i Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. said Sunday in a press release. “All of the personnel in the emergency operations center, working with the first-responders in the field and the public at large displayed great teamwork and kokua to put safety first.”
“The statewide leadership and coordination provided by the governor and State Civil Defense was excellent,” Carvalho added. “A big mahalo also goes out to the media, for working tirelessly throughout the event to keep our residents and visitors informed of all of the latest developments.”
An estimated 6-foot surge was reported in the Hanalei area, according to County Director of Communications Beth Tokioka. Other than that, she said the county has not received data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of other measurable surges on Kaua‘i.
“Separate from the tsunami, there is high surf being reported on the North Shore as was expected (Sunday),” Tokioka said.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center at Ewa Beach issued its final message on the alert to island Civil Defense agencies early Sunday morning, officially ending the tsunami advisory for the State of Hawai‘i effective 3:58 a.m. There will be no more communications on the matter from the center unless new data is received that draws concern.
“Tsunami wave heights across the state of Hawai‘i are now below advisory levels and are continuing to diminish,” the cancellation statement said. “Smaller sea level changes and strong or unusual currents may persist for several additional hours and appropriate caution should be exercised by boaters and swimmers.”
Tokioka said the county is recommending that people visit guarded beaches and speak to lifeguards regarding any updates before entering the water. A list of those beaches, along with current ocean conditions, can be found at the county sponsored web site, www.kauaiexplorer.com.
“There are no Kaua‘i beach closures as a result of the tsunami,” Tokioka said. “However, PTWC urges beachgoers and boaters to exercise caution as surges and unusual currents can occur throughout the day.”
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Canada’s Queen Charlotte Islands region Saturday at 5:04 p.m. (HST), according to the Tsunami Warning Center. A tsunami warning was issued for the Hawaiian Islands at 7:08 p.m.
The warning stated that a series of unpredictable surges in wave heights could occur for several hours following the arrival of the first wave, estimated to be around 10:28 p.m.
For the hours between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., many retailers closed early as they alerted employees to seek shelter. Many grocery stores had pallets of bottled water available by the checkout stands.
The lines to the gas stations extended into the roads as residents filled vehicles and cans with gasoline.
By 10 p.m. the police had roadblocks set up at tsunami inundation areas and residents and visitors in coastal areas were advised to evacuate immediately to higher ground. Hotel guests in lower beach areas were gathered on upper floors and roof tops for the duration of the alert.
The warning was kept in effect until 11:13 p.m. when residents were allowed to return to their homes and visitors to their places of accommodation. A tsunami advisory remained in effect until 1 a.m.
There were no calls for the Kaua‘i Fire Department during the warning and advisory periods, Tokioka said. However, she said public safety officials were concerned about numerous people using the roadways for various reasons who did not need to evacuate.
“One of the most important messages to get out is to remind folks that if they don’t have to evacuate, to please stay off of the roadways during an evacuation,” Tokioka said. “It will make the entire process more efficient and will allow emergency responders better access to individuals in need if that situation occurs in the future.”
Public safety officials were pleased, however, that evacuations were completed well before the estimated time of arrival of the first waves at 10:28 p.m.
“We were all very grateful for the tremendous cooperation from the public on getting that task accomplished,” Tokioka said.
Residents and visitors were alerted via Connect CTY messages via phone, email or text, and there were also repeated siren and media alerts. Ni‘ihau residents were notified via Civil Air Patrol flights and the Robinson family.
Ten public schools were opened by the Department of Education as temporary holding facilities. Approximately 2,200 residents and visitors were accommodated until evacuation areas were deemed safe for entry around 1 a.m. Sunday, according to a county press release.
Koloa School and King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School were two emergency holding areas that filled to capacity with visitors and residents.
Kaua‘i High School and Elsie Wilcox Elementary School opened their doors to residents of Lihu‘e and Hanama‘ulu. Kapa‘a residents in low-lying areas took shelter at the elementary, middle and high schools.
Other schools that acted as shelters included Kilauea Elementary, Kalaheo Elementary and Waimea High School. During tsunami events, the schools provide temporary shelter and use of bathrooms through the duration of the warning period.
The emergency operation center remained fully staffed by a variety of federal, state, county and private agencies until the all clear came at approximately 1 a.m. this morning. Civil Defense staff remained into the morning to monitor developments.
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issues a warning when a potential tsunami with significant widespread inundation is imminent or expected and could cause widespread coastal flooding with powerful currents over several hours after an initial wave. Local officials respond with warnings and evacuation orders of low-lying coastal areas.
Large ships are ordered to evacuate to deep waters when there is time to safely do so.
A tsunami watch typically follows a seismic event and alerts the public of a possible tsunami. It is upgraded to a warning or canceled based on updated information.
A tsunami advisory is issued when the threat of a potential tsunami may continue for several hours after the arrival of the initial wave. The lower threat level is to indicate that a significant inundation is not expected and usually follow the cancellation of a warning.
During an advisory period, local officials may keep beaches, harbors and marinas closed.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or tlaventure@thegardenisland.com.
