Earthquakes occur periodically on Okinawa, and the potential for a disastrous earthquake is a very real concern. However, unlike most places in the United States, the homes and work centers used by the military on Okinawa (and many of the civilian structures as well) are constructed of reinforced concrete instead of lumber. Because of this, actions in response to an earthquake on Okinawa will differ from what you have been taught in other places. Click on the Earthquake Preparedness Pamphlet (link coming soon) to learn more. Also be aware of the tsunami threats posed by earthquakes.

    Tsunamis are a series of disastrous waves created by an underwater disturbance such as an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption, or even a meteorite. A tsunami can move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean and make a landfall with waves over a hundred feet in height. 

    Preparedness and Response: Click on the Fleet Activities Okinawa Tsunami Preparedness Pamphlet to learn more about the threat to Okinawa and how you can be better prepared.  The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has also provided a good JMA Tsunami Warning Leaflet that’s been posted to this site for your use. The JMA web site at http://www.jma.go.jp/en/tsunami/ is the locally authoritative warning mechanism for tsunami warnings in Japan, and it is normally the fastest and most up-to-date system.  JMA warnings will also be announced on local television and radio stations, township public announcement systems, and military radio and television stations once received from the JMA.  The link at http://www.seisvol.kishou.go.jp/eq/eng/fig/info.html summarizes the JMA warning and notification system.