Japan begins using new tsunami warning label when equipment fails
The agency aims to help the public understand when a large tsunami may be approaching so they can take action to protect their lives.
The JMA implemented the new system at noon on Thursday. The agency says it will report a "data not available" status for locations where information on tsunami cannot be obtained.
The move is based on lessons learned from the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula. When an earthquake with a risk of tsunami occurs, the agency typically issues a major tsunami warning, tsunami warning, or tsunami advisory within about three minutes.
It also provides updates on the observed time and height of tsunamis at different locations, using data from observation systems installed along the coast.
But during last year's Noto Peninsula earthquake, the tsunami gauges set up at a fishing port in Ishikawa Prefecture's Suzu City became inoperable after the land in the area was uplifted. As a result, the agency was unable to publish tsunami height or other data, even though waves were approaching the city.
The JMA was also unable to capture data when a major earthquake struck off the coast of the Tohoku region. Observation facilities were damaged by debris swept in by the massive tsunami.
The agency says that if people see or hear the "data not available" label while tsunami warnings are in place, they should assume a large tsunami might be approaching and evacuate immediately.
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