A major earthquake, the strongest in 25 years, struck Taiwan on Wednesday.
It was a devastating tremor, injuring over a thousand people, killing nine, swaying buildings, toppling some, and lasting long after the initial quake with aftershocks.
The quake also ignited tsunami warnings for Japan, but they were later lifted.
Although Hawaii was not in danger of a tsunami due to this particular tectonic event, following the quake, local news covered the imminent threat of ones to come.
“There is going to be another great earthquake in the Pacific that’s going to generate hazardous tsunami waves that will reach Hawaii,” Stuart Weinstein, Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Science Officer, told KHON2. “It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
Luckily, Hawaii has some preparations in place for when the Big One comes. There’s signage, indicating tsunami danger zones and warning: In case of Tsunami Warning, move inland or go to the 4th floor or above in a building at least 10 stories or taller.
With Hawaii sitting smack dab in the middle of the Ring of Fire, it’s prone to tsunamis coming from all directions. As for when the next one will come, nobody’s quite sure. But hopefully, given all the experts monitoring these types of things, there will be sufficient warning for people to leave low-lying areas, and get to safety.
Of course, the worst place to be is on the beach or in the water, i.e. surfing. And no, surfing tsunami waves is not a thing, since it’s not so much a wave, rather a surge.
“Anyone on the beach, swimming and surfing, could be in serious danger,” KHON2 reported. “Because a tsunami wave isn’t one that can be surfed.”
***
Don’t miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We’re always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels.
Whether you’re a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.