Tsunamis

In the event of a tsunami, plan to act quickly.

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Tsunamis are Enormous Waves Caused by an Underground Disturbance Such as an Earthquake

The U.S. Virgin Islands, along with the rest of the Caribbean, is considered a region with high levels of vulnerability and threat for tsunamis.

Tsunamis can move hundreds of miles per hour, and hit land with waves topping 100 feet in height.

Since 1842, more than 3,500 people have lost their lives to tsunamis in the Caribbean. In recent years, there has been an explosive population growth and influx of tourists along the Caribbean coasts increasing the tsunami vulnerability of the region.

Other events, such as the earthquakes and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean (2004), Samoa (2009, Haiti and Chile (2010) and Japan (2011), attest to the importance of proper planning for tsunami response.

EVACUATION MAPS

Check the map corresponding to your island to see whether you are located in a tsunami evacuation zone.

ST. CROIX EVAC MAP

ST. JOHN EVAC MAP

ST. THOMAS EVAC MAP

TIPS

Plan to act QUICKLY.

ADVISORY, WATCH, WARNING

If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay. Contact your local emergency management agency for more information.

MOVE INLAND

Move inland immediately and do not return to the flooded and damaged areas until officials say it is safe to do so.

RECESSION OF COASTAL WATERS

If you are in coastal waters and notice a dramatic recession of water from the shoreline, you should heed nature’s warning that a tsunami is approaching.

NOAA WATCH

Visit NOAA Watch for more weather-related information.

TOPO MAPS

Courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin.

ST. CROIX TOPO MAP

ST. JOHN TOPO MAP

ST. THOMAS TOPO MAP

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Get Emergency Alerts on the Go

Have emergency alerts sent to your smartphone (or email)

GET ALERTS

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