Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and floods in Hawaii
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What types of natural disasters occur in Hawaii? While island living has many perks, including some of the world’s best surfing spots and scenic hiking trails, Hawaii has a history of natural disasters. If you live or visit Hawaii, it is important to know how to prepare and what to do in the event of a hurricane, earthquake, tsunami or flood.
Hurricanes in Hawaii
Hawaiian hurricanes usually form in the Pacific Ocean. Hurricane season in Hawaii runs from approximately June 1 to November 30 each year. Hawaii typically experiences about four or five tropical cyclones per year; although there were approximately fifteen tropical cyclones in Hawaii during the 2015 hurricane season.
When was the last hurricane in Hawaii?
In July 2020, Hurricane Douglas passed north of Hawaii, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to all of the islands. Although the hurricane once appeared to be heading straight for Oahu’s north shore, it passed slightly to the north, causing minimal damage to the islands. It was the closest hurricane to Oahu on record. Since historical records of hurricanes or tropical cyclones in Hawaii began in 1949, at least 29 people have died. The deadliest tropical cyclone to hit Hawaii was Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which killed 6 people and caused $3.1 billion in damage, much of it on the island of Kauai.
How can I prepare for a hurricane in Hawaii?
Make sure you have access to information through local news on television, the Internet, or radio. You can also sign up for local emergency alert systems.
The city and county of Honolulu, as well as Hawaii, Kauai and Maui, and the entire state have emergency notification sites that may send automated messages if you register .
It is important to prepare for hurricanes, tropical storms and other natural disasters, especially due to Hawaii’s isolation as an island. The Hawaii State Office of Public Health Preparedness recommends the following:
- Create a personal/family emergency plan so everyone knows where to go in the event of an emergency. Here are Hawaii Department of Health ideas for creating a family emergency plan.
- Have an emergency kit with enough supplies to last at least 14 days. Please note that shelters in Hawaii do not provide food, water, medicine or bedding. Include the following items in your emergency kit: water, non-perishable food, medicine, hygiene items, radio, flashlight, money, first aid supplies, disinfectants, clothing, bedding, baby, senior, or pet supplies (if applicable) .
- Protect your property before storms by clearing gutters and gutters, storing items inside, boarding up windows, or using storm shutters.
- Keep your cell phone charged before the storm.
- Know your evacuation zone and possible routes to get there.
- Help your neighbors with their hurricane plans and preparations, especially seniors or anyone who may need extra help.
Tsunami in Hawaii
A tsunami is a series of giant waves from this ocean, often caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or asteroids. Tsunamis can travel at speeds of 20 to 30 mph and can reach heights of 100 feet. Tsunamis can cause major flooding and disrupt transportation, electricity, communications and water supplies.
What is the history of the Hawaii tsunami?
According to the United Nations International Tsunami Information Center, a total of 135 confirmed tsunamis have occurred in Hawaii since 1812.
The worst tsunami to hit Hawaii in terms of damage and deaths occurred in 1946. A magnitude 8.6 earthquake off the coast of Alaska generated a 16-foot tsunami that caused $150 million in damage (in 2016 dollars). There were 158 deaths: 121 in Hawaii (96 in Hilo), 17 on Kauai, 14 on Maui and 6 on Oahu.
How can I prepare for a tsunami in Hawaii?
- If you live in or visit Hawaii, it is not uncommon for a tsunami warning to occur almost every year. Therefore, it is important to prepare everything you can in advance.
- Learn more about the tsunami risk in your area and tsunami evacuation zones and routes. Tsunami shelters are usually located at least 100 feet above sea level or at least one mile from the ocean. The Hawaii State Emergency Management Agency has an interactive map showing tsunami shelters and routes on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island.
- Recognize the signs of a potential tsunami: an earthquake, a roar from the ocean, or a sudden rise or fall of ocean water.
- Create a family emergency communication plan that includes an off-island contact and a high location to meet if your family becomes separated.
- Have an emergency kit that includes the above items in case of a hurricane.
- During a tsunami, it is important to listen to authorities and evacuate immediately if told to do so.
Floods in Hawaii
Homeowners in Hawaii should also be aware that homes in Hawaii have flood designations, which may require purchasing flood insurance if you have a mortgage. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) manages flood definitions in Hawaii.
Here are Hawaii’s flood zones for real estate:
- Zones V (V, VE) – high risk of flooding and special flood hazard area (SFHA).
- Zones A (A, AH, AO, AE) – High Flood Risk and Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
- Zones X and XS – low to moderate flood risk
- Zones D – Uncertain risk of flooding
What were the significant floods in Hawaii?
On Oahu, most people remember the October 2004 flood in Manoa. Heavy rains caused the Manoa Creek to overflow and a bridge became clogged with debris in the river, causing a flood wave to pass through residential areas of Manoa and into the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus. Total damage is estimated at approximately $85 million, with approximately 120 homes damaged.
On the Big Island, or Hawaii Island, one of the worst floods recorded was in November 2000, when heavy rain and thunderstorms occurred for more than 24 hours. About 300 homes were destroyed or damaged, and roads, bridges and other infrastructure were destroyed, limiting travel from the cities of Hilo and Pahala.
One of the worst floods in all of the Hawaiian Islands in recent history occurred on Kauai and Oahu in April 1974. Severe storms caused more than $3.7 million in property damage, with the heaviest damage occurring in the Haleiwa, Mapunapuna and Fort Shafter areas. Hundreds of cars and thousands of crops were destroyed. Four people died during the flood, including an infant.
How to prepare for flooding in Hawaii?
If you are under a flood warning, it is important to find safe shelter and evacuate if you are asked to do so. Do not attempt to walk or drive through flood waters, as fast-moving water has always been a hazard in Hawaii. Before a flood occurs, there are a number of preventive measures you can take:
- Know the flood risk to your home and business.
- Buy flood insurance.
- Gather supplies ahead of time, as recommended for hurricanes and tsunamis.
- Make a plan for your family during a flood, including where to go and who to contact if a flood occurs.
- Store important documents in a waterproof container and make password-protected digital copies.
- To protect your property, move valuables to higher levels and clean up your gutters and gutters. You may want to consider purchasing a sump pump with batteries and/or carrying sandbags to keep water out.
Earthquakes in Hawaii
Suddenly the ground shakes rapidly; it’s an earthquake. Hawaii is at higher risk of earthquakes than other US states; in fact, thousands of earthquakes occur in Hawaii every year, mostly due to moving magma from Hawaii’s active volcanoes: Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Haleakala, and Lo’ihi.
Hawaii also occasionally experiences tectonic earthquakes on the southern slope of the Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii. The third type of earthquake that occurs in Hawaii is a mantle earthquake, in which the Earth’s crust and upper mantle buckle under the weight of the islands above.
What were the strongest earthquakes in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s history of earthquakes includes a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in 1868 that struck the Kau area of the Big Island and killed 77 people. Landslides from the earthquake killed 31 people, and a tsunami from the earthquake killed 46 people.
The most recent fatal earthquake was a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, also on Hawaii Island, in 1975. This earthquake caused a tsunami up to 47 feet high on the island of Hawaii. As a result, two people were killed and about 28 were injured.
How can I prepare for an earthquake in Hawaii?
Preparing for an earthquake in Hawaii is important before it happens. Here are some important things to prepare for an earthquake in Hawaii:
- Practice throwing, covering and holding with your family and colleagues.
- Prepare the delivery kit.
- Create a family emergency communication and action plan.
- To protect your home, secure heavy objects such as appliances, televisions, bookcases and pictures to walls.
- Store heavy items on low shelves.
- You may want to consider purchasing an earthquake insurance policy, since a standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover earthquake damage.
If an earthquake suddenly strikes, consider the best action for your location:
- Car = Slow down and stop. Set the parking brake.
- In bed = Turn face down. Cover your head and neck with a pillow.
- Outdoors = Stay away from buildings and tall trees.
- Move towards the mountains if possible due to the risk of tsunamis.
- Inside = Stay inside and avoid doorways.
Natural Disasters and Home Ownership in Hawaii:
important information Natural disasters happen in Hawaii and it is important to be prepared for them, especially since Hawaii is an isolated island away from other potential resources. For more information, read the University of Hawaii’s comprehensive guide to preparing for all types of natural disasters for Hawaii, A Homeowner’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness.