Recent Earthquakes Tsunami Warnings, and a Brief Understanding of ETWS

Earthquakes are daily occurrences in many countries. Sometimes, they are powerful enough to cause tsunamis. Thankfully, the modern world has earthquake and tsunami warning systems (ETWS) to mitigate these hazards. Recent earthquakes tsunami warnings have helped people stay safe.

However, not all earthquake- and tsunami-prone countries have advanced warning systems in place. These modern systems are generally present in developed countries, such as Japan. Consequently, many people in the world have a higher risk of being victims of these hazards than the Japanese do.

Recent Earthquakes Tsunami Warnings

Several earthquake-prone countries experienced significant submarine earthquakes recently. However, no recent tsunami warnings were issued. Therefore, these earthquakes were not powerful enough to displace a large volume of seawater.

Below are earthquake warnings in the last two months.

1. Fiji Earthquake

On February 11 local time, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Fiji.  According to the earthquake warning, the epicenter of this earthquake was under the Pacific Ocean, roughly 480 km offshore of Suva, Fiji. 

This earthquake was slightly unusual because the depth of the epicenter was extremely deep, i.e., 574 km below the sea surface. Due to this extreme depth, people in Fiji did not feel the tremor. 

Aside from this earthquake, Fijian authorities recorded smaller tremors. However, it was not clear whether or not they were the aftershocks of the previous earthquake.

2. Tonga Earthquake

In February 2026, the Tonga earthquake warning system announced several medium-scale earthquakes. The most recent earthquake hit near Hihifo at a 6.0 magnitude on February 11. Moreover, a quake with a 6.2 magnitude shook an area near Kolovai on February 10.

The latter was almost similar to that in Fiji. Its epicenter was deep in the earth, i.e., 510 km under the sea surface. Previously, two shallow earthquakes also hit several regions in Tonga. They have a magnitude of 5.0 and 5.2.

3. Alaska Earthquake

In the first months of 2026, people in Alaska and neighboring regions received medium-scale earthquake warnings. In February, a warning said that a powerful earthquake of a 5.2 magnitude shook offshore the Adak Sea.

Moreover, in January, Alaska was hit by a shallow earthquake. This quake shook the region at a 5.7 magnitude. In addition, on January 15, a more powerful earthquake shook near the Buldir Island. It had a magnitude of 5.9.

4. Indonesia Earthquake

Indonesian authorities also disseminated several significant earthquake warnings in February. The latest warning announced that an earthquake hit offshore Java Island at a magnitude of 6.4 on February 6. 

The epicenter of this quake was 58 km under the surface of the Indian Ocean. Consequently, people in many regions experienced significant tremors. However, this hazard did not cause the earthquake tsunami warning app to launch a tsunami warning.

Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Systems

Recent earthquakes tsunami warnings were disseminated by the earthquake and tsunami warning system. Each country with high earthquake and tsunami risks has these systems. However, their warning systems’ qualities are different. Despite these differences, they typically have some similarities.

Tsunami Alert Types

Tsunami warning systems will disseminate tsunami alerts based on various factors, including the magnitude of the earthquake and the distance from the closest coastal areas. Consequently, these alerts come in several types. 

Moreover, some systems in different countries apply similar alert types. Below are tsunami alert types in the US and several Pacific regions.

• Tsunami Warning: Authorities will disseminate tsunami warnings if a tsunami has the potential to cause widespread inundation.

• Tsunami Advisory: This alert indicates the tsunami has the potential to generate strong currents, which may be hazardous for those on the coast. However, the strong waves may not cause inundation.

• Tsunami Watch: The tsunami watch means that the watch area may experience a tsunami later. This alert is typically launched early when seismic data cannot confirm an upcoming tsunami yet.

• Tsunami Information Statement: It is a statement informing authorities and the public that recent earthquakes and tsunami warnings have been issued in other parts of the ocean. It may also inform that a tsunami threat has been lifted.

  Methods of Warning Dissemination

Many countries have similar methods to disseminate tsunami warnings. Most of them have sirens to alert people in coastal areas. Moreover, some countries distribute tsunami alerts via mobile phones. Thus, all mobile phone users in the affected areas will receive the alerts.

Prompt Detection and Alert Dissemination

Earthquake and tsunami warning systems offer prompt detection and alert dissemination. Some systems will disseminate earthquake information or a warning within seconds. Moreover, they can distribute a tsunami alert in less than 5 minutes after the earthquake.

Are there recent earthquakes tsunami warnings? In February 2026, some significant earthquakes shook several regions, but they did not trigger tsunami warnings. Despite this condition, tsunami-prone countries must prepare their early warning systems. They can improve these systems if they adopt cell broadcast technology from smsbroadcaster.com.