Environment

Hawaii Tsunami Warning: Emergency Response Procedures

by Amy Judd | February 27, 2010 at 08:20 am

2024 views | 7 Recommendations | 3 comments

Hawaii is under a tsumani warning today Saturday February 27th 2010 due to the massive earthquake that struck Chile with a magnitude of 8.8. As a result, Hawaii have launched their emergency response plans and procedures to keep the people as safe as possible.

On the island of Hawaii, the Hilo International Airport has been closed as it is located in one of the areas expected to be hit first by the tsumani according to the Washington Post. Everyone who was out on the water or part of state patrols have been grounded and evacuated and residents are being told to listen to their local television (such as KGMB, KHNL and KITV) and radio stations for detailed instructions should the need arise.

Anyone living in a coastal area should be ready to evacuate at any time.

As Shelly Ichishita, spokeswoman for the state Department of Defense Civil Defense Division, told the Washington Post:

"The evacuation zones are predesignated in telephone books. We have maps and predesignated tsunami zones," Ichishita said. "It's based on historical data showing they are susceptible to tsunamis."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the U.S is prepared to assist in any way they can:

"We are closely monitoring the situation, including the potential for a tsunami," said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Chile, and we stand ready to help in this hour of need."

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Barry ORegan

at 09:01 on February 27th, 2010

Certainly one can assume Goreittes will squawk Global warming.

Ben Novick (not verified)

at 11:10 on February 27th, 2010

Reporting from Kona on the Big Island at 9:14 am HST. Air raid sirens going off since 5:45 am HST. Gas stations running low on fuel. Low lying areas being evacuated. All schools and public venues being closed. Now seeing a pending refugee problem at higher elevations from people being evacuated from low lying areas. Current weather conditions; Patchy clouds and sun, 77 degrees, no wind. Erily calm outside. Fondest alohas to all. -Ben Novick, private investigator

Uwe Paschen

at 15:49 on February 27th, 2010

Every one in good health and sound mind, should be a trained volunteering member of the Red cross emergency response teams around the world or their National Emergency response team.

We are in serious need of well trained and qualified volunteers.