Northwest Pacific - International Tsunami Information Center

Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory Messages

2007-05-22T19:20:51+00:00

For Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory messages click here.

Establishment of Northwest Pacific Tsunami Information Center

2005-09-21T00:24:06+00:00

Establishment of Northwest Pacific Tsunami Information Center

Masahiro Yamamoto
Director, Earthquake and Tsunami Observations Division
Japan Meteorological Agency

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) plans to begin operation of the Northwest Pacific Tsunami Information Center (NWPTIC) in March 2005. The NWPTIC was developed by JMA in response to the request by ITSU member states to provide tsunami information for Northwest Pacific region. In January 2001, JMA began operations in the Japan sea region, where it currently provides tsunami information to the bordering countries. The NWPTIC, with support and recommendations from the PTWC and the ITIC, will expand its service area in 2005 to include the countries of Russia, the Republic of Korea, China, the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and island states in the north Pacific including the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Republic of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.

When an earthquake greater than Magnitude 7 takes place in the Northwest Pacific area, the NWPTIC will initially provide earthquake location and magnitude. The NWPTIC will also provide information for each coastal area on an expected tsunami arrival time and an expected potential tsunami wave height extracted from a pre-calculated tsunami database. As data are received, the Center will also provide information on the observed and reported tsunami wave height (see attached map of Tsunami Forecast Blocks). The first information is expected to be provided within about 20 minutes of the earthquake’s occurrence.

All information disseminated from the NWPTIC shall be delivered to the relevant authorities as specified in the ITSU Communication Plan and be utilized for the mitigation of tsunami disasters. The Center plans to send the information over the Global Telecommunication System (GTS/WMO), and by e-mail and Fax. The establishment of reliable, easy, and quick communication procedures and protocols between the NWPTIC and each country will be essential for the timely communication of tsunami information. The acquisition of additional seismological and sea level data in the region in real or near-real time will be critical for improving the quality and timeliness of the earthquake characterization and the evaluation of its tsunamigenic potential. Cooperation and collaboration between the JMA, PTWC, ITIC and all Pacific countries in the timely and open sharing of data and communication of information messages will be essential for a successful implementation of the NWPTIC.

ICG/PTWS-XXII Recommendations and Task Teams Summary Outcomes

2008-04-17T19:49:26+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
ICG/PTWS-XXII Recommendations and Task Teams Summary Outcomes [21 September 2007]	DOC (34 KB)

Recommendation ICG/PTWS-XXII.3 - Sub-regional PTWS: Northwest Pacific, South China Sea, and Western Pacific Marginal Seas

2008-04-17T19:45:00+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
Recommendation ICG/PTWS-XXII.3 - Sub-regional PTWS: Northwest Pacific, South China Sea, and Western Pacific Marginal Seas	PDF (24 KB)

IOC/EC-XXXIX.8, ICG/PTWS resolution, NWPTAC and SCS, June 2006

2007-07-30T20:01:49+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
IOC/EC-XXXIX.8, ICG/PTWS resolution, NWPTAC and SCS, June 2006	PDF (178 KB)

ASEAN SCMG Report, incl IOC Concept Paper

2007-07-30T20:16:31+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
ASEAN SCMG Report, incl IOC Concept Paper	PDF (244 KB)

IOC Circular Letter No. 2187

2006-08-23T21:56:39+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
IOC Circular Letter No. 2187 - Inauguration of Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory Center (NWPTAC) Start of Interim Tsunami Advisory Service for the South China Sea	PDF (2.6 MB)

Handbook of the Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory Center

2006-08-23T22:07:44+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
Handbook of the Northwest Pacific Tsunami Advisory Center	PDF (403 KB)

Malaysia Roundtable on Earthquake and Tsunami Risk for SCS Region - Joint Statement

2006-08-23T23:26:45+00:00

Document Title	Format/Type
Malaysia Roundtable on Earthquake and Tsunami Risk for SCS Region - Joint Statement	PDF (17 KB)