HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

March 1, 2010. Government Warning Issued Regarding Tsunami Warnings

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

The following was compiled from Warden Messages released by U.S. Embassies on February 27 regarding tsunami warnings for the entire Pacific Basin as of 6 p.m. EST:

A massive magnitude earthquake rocked Chile early Saturday, triggering tsunami warnings for the entire Pacific basin, including the locations listed below. Action should be taken to protect life and property. A tsunami is a series of long ocean waves. Each individual wave crest can last 5 to 15 minutes or more and extensively flood coastal areas. The danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave as subsequent waves arrive. Tsunami wave heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest. All shores are at risk no matter which direction they face. Extremely strong and unusual currents can accompany a tsunami. Debris picked up and carried by a tsunami amplifies its destructive power. Simultaneous high tides or high surge can significantly increase the tsunami hazard.

East Asia/Pacific:

Apia, Western Samoa, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Suva, Fiji, Taipei Taiwan, Tokyo, Japan

Europe:

Vladivostok, Russia

Western Hemisphere/Americas:

Belmopan, Belize, Guayaquil/Quito, Ecuador, Tegucigalpa, Honduras