Warning signs

The first warning sign of a possible tsunami is the earthquake itself; however, tsunamis can strike thousands of miles away, where the earthquake is only felt weakly or not at all.

Also, in the minutes preceding a tsunami strike the sea often recedes temporarily from the coast. The water is being pulled back from the shore to form part of the huge waves that are about to sweep in.

People in Pacific regions are more familiar with tsunamis and often recognize this as a sign to head for higher ground. However, around the Indian Ocean, this rare sight caused children to go and collect stranded fish on as much as 2.5 km of exposed beach, and they were killed by the tsunami.

The huge waves can move as fast as 50 km per hour when they hit land. You can't outrun a tsunami.

Watch out for animals too - they often seem to be able to sense the danger, and get very agitated, and want to get away from the sea.

If the water rushes out fast, head for higher ground,
fast!

Do not go and look at the sea floor

The following have at various times been associated with a tsunami - this means you may see some of these signs (but not all of them)

An earthquake may be felt.
Large quantities of gas may bubble to the water surface and make the sea look as if it is boiling.
The water in the waves may be unusually hot.
The water may smell of rotten eggs or of petrol or oil.
The water may sting the skin.
A thunderous boom may be heard followed by a roaring noise as of a jet plane, or a noise akin to the perodic whoop-whoop of a helicopter, or a whistling sound.
The sea may recede to a considerable distance.
A flash of red light might be seen near the horizon.
As the wave approaches the top of the wave may glow red.