How are inundation/evacuation areas determined?
In Hawaii, methodology was developed at the University for determining the maximum expectable inundation of our shores for worst-case tsunamis, drawing on the records compiled by the Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research for many years. These historical data are used in mathematical analyses to predict maximum wave heights along the coast; these heights are then used in numerical models involving the topography (land contours) to map the inundation in each location. In coordination with the Civil Defense officers on each island, a final map is prepared showing the actual evacuation zones. The zones extend inland from the inundation limit to the nearest landmark such as a road, which can be used by public and police to identify the areas which must be evacuated to ensure safety. When the sirens sound, people are routed to safety until officials determine that hazardous wave action has ceased. The zones are published in the front of the telephone directories for each Hawaii
