Tsunami

Know your risk

• You may be at risk of tsunami if you live in or visit coastal areas of NSW.
• NSW is at low risk from tsunami, but the impacts can be severe. Over 50 tsunami have impacted the NSW coast in the last 200 years (most causing dangerous currents, tides and coastal water disruptions) and there is evidence of other tsunami impacts dating back before then.

Know the warnings

• The NSW SES will issue warnings for tsunami using the Australian Warning System, including Advice and Emergency Warnings.
• The Bureau of Meteorology will issue Tsunami No Threat, Tsunami Watches, Tsunami Warnings (Marine and Immediate Foreshore and/or Land Inundation) and Tsunami (Watch and Warning) Cancellation notifications.
• You may not always receive an official warning. Look out for the natural signs of tsunami, including earthquakes, the ocean receding and/or a loud rushing sound coming from the ocean.

Download the Hazards Near Me App and set your watch zones for floods and severe weather to get the NSW SES warnings.

Download for iOS | Download for Android

Make a plan

• Have a discussion with your family, friends and neighbours about what you will do if there is a tsunami.
• Schools and businesses have emergency plans to look after children and people. You do not need to worry about their safety.
• Check the Tsunami evacuation areas in NSW. These areas are not inundation extents but areas that would be safer to head to in the event of a Land Inundation Tsunami Threat Warning where there is an Emergency Warning to evacuate or to prepare to evacuate.
• Decide on a location you can go to if you need to evacuate during a tsunami and let your family, friends and neighbours know of this location.
• Plan what you will take and plan to walk to this location.
• Work with neighbours, family and friends to plan what you can do to help each other.    

NSW SES may not be able to rescue you during a tsunami. Plan and prepare so that you can take safe actions during a tsunami.

Make your own emergency plan using the NSW SES Online Emergency Planning Tool or download the Emergency Kit Checklist to help you prepare your emergency kit.

Know what needs to be included to take with you in the event of a land inundation tsunami. Take only what you can carry as it is preferred to walk to Evacuation Areas.

Plan to respond

During a tsunami there is often little time to prepare your property and if it is a Land Inundation Threat, no preparations will protect your property adequately due to the large amount of debris that often accompanies tsunami waves.

• Listen to local media for information, updates and advice.
• Act on the first warning you receive and immediately follow all safety advice.

Being near the coast or any water linked to the ocean will place your life at risk during tsunami. Avoid going to the beach to observe a tsunami.

If a Marine and Immediate Foreshore Tsunami Warning Threat level is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology:

• Get out of the water and move away from the immediate water's edge of harbours, coastal estuaries, rock platforms, and beaches.
• Boats in harbours, estuaries and in shallow coastal water should return to shore. Secure your boat and move away from the waterfront.
• Vessels already at sea should stay offshore in deep water until further advised.

If a Land Inundation Tsunami Warning Threat level is issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, follow the advice for a Marine and Immediate foreshore threat plus:

• Go to higher ground, at least ten metres above sea level, or if possible, move at least one kilometre away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbours and coastal estuaries.
• Only if you cannot leave the area, take shelter at least 10 metres high in a sturdy brick or concrete building.

NSW SES will issue Advice and Emergency Warnings for tsunami with various action statements.

• Follow all actions in NSW SES Advice and Emergency Warnings.

If you do not evacuate, it is unlikely you will be rescued during a tsunami. Keep moving to stay away from tsunami water. If you find a safe location, stay there until all the tsunami waves have ended and you are rescued. You may need to rely on others who have decided not to evacuate.

Plan to recover

• Do not return until emergency services say it is safe. This can be a while after a tsunami has passed as the damage and destruction can be immense. It can take days and weeks to restore safe conditions to areas.
• Visiting damaged areas can put your life and others at risk. If you are in a safe location, stay there.
• If you did not evacuate and are in a safe location, stay there until rescued. In life-threatening situations, call Triple Zero (000).
• Never eat food or drink water that has been in contact with tsunami water.
• Assistance will be available for people impacted by tsunami. A recovery centre may be opened.