Where does a tsunami advisory fall in Japan’s alert system?published at 04:28 GMT
What the Japanese authorities have issued today is a tsunami advisory – warning of waves reaching one metre (3.3ft). Under this advisory, residents are told to stay away from water and coastal areas.
This is the lowest level in the Japan Meteorological Agency’s three-tier alert tsunami system.
One level above an advisory is a tsunami warning, which is issued when authorities expect high waves (up to 3m) and damage to low-lying areas. In this case, people have to evacuate immediately to higher ground.
The next on the scale is a major tsunami warning, issued for waves predicted to be more than 3m. Residents will also be ordered to evacuate immediately. Wooden structures are expected to be “completely destroyed and/or washed away”, according to the JMA.
