Establishing the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre
In 2004, the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami killed 230,000 people in 14 Indian Ocean countries. Following that event, the Australian Government authorised us and Geoscience Australia to establish a world-leading tsunami warning centre as a long-term investment in Australia's safety and security.
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) became operational in 2008. It provides at least 90 minutes warning of a potential tsunami danger to mainland Australia on a 24/7 ongoing basis.

Expert staff provide early detection and warning for potentially dangerous tsunamis
Combining expertise
Geoscience Australia uses real-time earthquake data from over 60 seismic stations in Australia, and more than 130 international seismic stations, to detect potentially tsunamigenic earthquakes.
The data is automatically analysed by a purpose-built system that alerts of any potentially dangerous earthquakes. If an alert is raised, expert seismologists make a final analysis and send details to us within 10 minutes of the earthquake occurring.
Our specialists then assess the potential tsunami threat to Australia using computer models. We issue a National No Threat Bulletin to advise of no potential threat, or a National Watch to advise of a potential threat.
We also monitor sea-level stations along the coast and in the deep ocean to detect a tsunami. If a tsunami is confirmed, or the potential impact is less than 90 minutes away, we'll issue warnings for people to take immediate action.
We will also update our website, the 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 6264) phone service, our social media and TV and radio stations.
We liaise closely with Emergency Management Australia and all relevant State/Territory emergency authorities to assist with their emergency response to a tsunami threat.
Together, we form an effective and responsive Australian Tsunami Warning System.
Working with our international community
The JATWC also plays a key international role in the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, managed by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
As one of three designated Tsunami Service Providers, we assess tsunami threats for other countries in the Indian Ocean. We provide their tsunami warning centres with details of the threat, so they can issue timely life-saving warnings to their communities.
The JATWC hosts a public website for earthquake and tsunami information and warning statuses of Indian Ocean countries.
The JATWC also plays an important part in the Pacific Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System through joint international exercises and providing seismic and sea-level observation networks in the South West Pacific.