Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre final evaluation

A significant tsunami was generated by an 8.7 magnitude earthquake off West Coast of Northern Sumatra at 0839 hours UCT/GMT. However sea level readings (at 1236 hours UCT/GMT) indicate that the threat has diminished or is over for most areas. Therefore the tsunami watch issued by this centre is now cancelled.

For any affected areas – when no major waves have occurred for at least two hours after the estimated arrival time or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours then local authorities can assume the threat is passed.



Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents.

 As local conditions can cause a wider variation in tsunami wave action, the all clear determination must be made by local authorities. This will be the final bulletin issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre for this event unless additional information becomes available.