What are 5 Signs of a Tsunami? Natural Signs and Official Warnings

Many low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to tsunamis. Therefore, people living in those regions must be able to recognize signs of a tsunami coming. There are at least 5 warnings that show a tsunami is approaching. What are 5 signs of a tsunami?

Those signs can be natural or come from authorities. Aside from knowing these warnings, people in low-lying coastal regions must also know what to do when recognizing tsunami signs. Therefore, they can avoid the danger of this natural hazard.

What are 5 Signs of a Tsunami?

A tsunami typically sweeps low-lying coastal areas after a powerful earthquake. However, an earthquake is not the only cause of this deathly wave. Despite, the different causes, most signs of a tsunami are common.

What are some signs of a tsunami? Below are natural and official signs of an approaching tsunami.

1. Earthquakes

Earthquakes generate about 80% of tsunamis in the world. Therefore, when someone asks ”What are early signs of a tsunami?” you must include earthquakes in your answer. 

Before a series of tsunami waves sweep the nearest coasts, people in these areas will experience a powerful earthquake for more than 20 seconds. The epicenter of this earthquake is typically shallow or near the ocean floor. 

However, people on faraway coasts may not feel a powerful quake before a tsunami comes. It happens because the epicenter of the earthquake is far from their region.  

2. Strange Ocean Sound

A few minutes before a tsunami hit coastal areas, the ocean normally emits a strange sound. This rumbling sound is loud and similar to the sound of planes or trains. This noise comes from the fast movement of displaced immense seawater.

3. Rapid Changes in Sea Level

One of the 5 signs a tsunami is coming is an abnormal transformation in the sea level. Tsunami waves rise and fall strangely compared to common tidal waves. They have long wavelengths. Therefore, a series of tsunami waves have long intervals.

Moreover, those deathly waves have a drawback effect. It triggers the seawater on a coast to retreat. Therefore, the ocean floor will be noticeable to those on the beach. After exposing this sign, the first tsunami wave will soon approach the coast.

4. Odd Animal Behavior

Animals are more sensitive to natural phenomena. Consequently, they can quickly sense an approaching tsunami wave. To respond to this occurrence, sea creatures may exhibit odd behaviors, such as swimming at a higher sea level and rushing inland.

5. Small Turbulent Wave

Typically, the first tsunami wave is small. It looks like a turbulent water. Therefore, people at the beach must go to higher places if they recognize this wave after a powerful earthquake. 

Official Signs of Tsunamis

Aside from the natural tsunami signs above, people in low-lying coastal areas get official tsunami alerts from local governments or government agencies. These official signs are useful for those who are unaware of the natural phenomena before tsunamis. 

Moreover, those man-made signs are effective and efficient for alerting people about remote tsunamis. Officially, what are 5 signs of a tsunami?

• Tsunami Warning Sirens: Governments usually install warning sirens in tsunami-prone areas. Those sirens will emit a distinct sound when a tsunami is approaching. This equipment typically emits a tsunami alert a few minutes before the deathly wave hits the shore.

• Tsunami Cell Broadcast Alerts: In modern countries, mobile phone users get a tsunami broadcast alert before the deathly wave is coming. Their mobile phones will produce a special ringtone when receiving the tsunami alert. Therefore, users are aware that they get an emergency alert.

• Tsunami Warning Radio Broadcasts: Governments also use radio broadcasts to announce a tsunami alert officially. The warning information from these broadcasts may be more detailed than that in the cell broadcast alert.

• Tsunami Warning TV Broadcasts: This official tsunami warning is almost similar to the tsunami warning radio broadcast. TV channels will air this warning in the middle of their programs at least 10 minutes before a tsunami hits the coast.

• Tsunami Warning SMS Broadcasts: Tsunami warning SMS broadcasts are almost similar to the cell broadcast. However, the former uses text messages to send the warning, but the latter uses radio cell frequencies. Moreover, the former relies on cellular services, but the latter does not.

What are 5 signs of a tsunami? They are a strong earthquake, strange ocean sounds, rapid changes in sea level, odd animal behavior, and a small turbulent wave. Moreover, authorities will broadcast official tsunami alerts via cell broadcasters and other tools. The best cell broadcaster is available on smsbroadcaster.com. Get it now to disseminate tsunami alerts effectively.