Budget Cuts Hit U.S. Tsunami Warning System

Far out along the rocky cliffs of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, seismic technology works to detect tremors that could cause a devastating tsunami. But now nine of those stations are expected to be offline by the end of November, which could create deadly delays for tsunami warnings.

The closures, which follow the lapse of a $300,000 federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), are sparking alarm.

"On Washington’s coast, a tsunami … could hit communities in 15 to 30 minutes. Any potential delays in life-saving information puts our communities at risk," wrote Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in a letter to NOAA, calling for funding to be restored.

Quality of warnings will suffer

The warning system helps keep communities of millions along America’s West Coast and elsewhere safe. While the system will still generate warnings, and some other seismic stations will stay online, the information will be less detailed.

"A tsunami would not come without warning," tsunami expert Daniel Eungard told KGW in Portland, Ore. "We would know it was coming. It is the quality of our forecast that the tsunami warning centers provide. That is what would be degraded,"

Making matters worse, the center to which they report in Palmer, Alaska, is already short-staffed, with only 11 of its 20 full-time positions filled, according to an NBC News report.

And other cuts have hit weather-predictive services, with mass layoffs at NOAA, putting more strain on scientists’ ability to make accurate forecasts.

Keeping safe from tsunamis and other flooding

If you live in a tsunami zone, such as coastal Alaska, Oregon or Washington, knowing the warning signs are vital.

A fast, unusual rise or fall in the water level, a roar coming from the ocean, or a strong or long-lasting (more than 20 seconds) earthquake could all indicate a tsunami might be coming. That means it’s time to get to higher ground immediately.

Tsunami waves can be nearly 100 feet high onshore, so many objects — including homes — in their path are often swept out to sea. Flood insurance generally covers damage caused by tsunamis, but it’s an exception under most home insurance policies, so you need to purchase it separately.

If your home is in an area vulnerable to tsunamis or other flooding, you should consider getting coverage. Compare quotes from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and some private insurance companies to get the best value. On average, a flood insurance policy costs about $68 per month.