About tsunami warnings

Stage one: tsunami watch

Seismologists first identify an undersea earthquake that could cause a tsunami threat to Australia. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) issues a National Tsunami Watch if there is a potential threat, notifying those affected that they should be on standby and await further updates. If no threat is detected, the Centre issues a National Tsunami No Threat Bulletin.

The JATWC may reissue a National Tsunami Watch if the tsunami remains unconfirmed and more than 90 minutes away.

Stage two: tsunami warning

The JATWC will issue a tsunami warning if:

• sea level observations or trusted reports confirm a tsunami threat, or
• the potential first impact time is less than 90 minutes away, even if a tsunami threat isn't yet confirmed.

Warnings are issued individually for each affected state or territory. A National Tsunami Warning Summary is also issued to give a national overview of all warnings and observations.

The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre will show any current tsunami warnings affecting Australian regions. It includes offshore islands and Australian Antarctic Stations.

Types of tsunami warnings

Tsunami threats are categorised into three levels:

1. No threat – we've detected an undersea earthquake but it hasn't generated a tsunami, or the tsunami poses no threat to Australia.
   No action is required.
2. Marine and immediate foreshore threat – there could be dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents in coastal waters. Seawater may overflow onto immediate foreshore.
   Action: although no evacuation is required, people should get out of the water and stay away from the beach and immediate water's edge.
3. Land inundation threat – low-lying coastal areas could be inundated or flooded, in addition to dangerous rips, waves and strong ocean currents in coastal waters.
   Action: get out of the water and move inland at least 1 km away from the coast or go to higher ground at least 10 m above sea level.

Cancelling a tsunami warning

We'll issue a Tsunami Watch Cancellation or Tsunami Warning Cancellation if a tsunami didn't occur or when the main threat has passed.

The relevant state or territory emergency authority will inform the public when it is safe to return to the affected area.

Distributing tsunami bulletins and warnings

We publish all tsunami bulletins and warnings on our website and audio warnings service – 1300 878 626.

We work with media organisations across Australia to inform the public. We also send these tsunami bulletins and warnings directly to:

• state and territory emergency services
• local councils
• port authorities
• police

so they can take immediate response action. For emergency assistance during a tsunami, contact your state or territory's emergency services – view our Emergency contacts page.