Tsunamis in Australia
A tsunami is a series of long waves (typically hundreds of kilometres in length) caused by large-scale ocean disturbances, such as earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, explosions or meteorites.
Deployment of a deep-ocean tsunami detection buoy
Tsunamis are recorded in Australia about once every 2 years. Major land flood (inundation) is rare, but even relatively small tsunamis can be dangerous to swimmers and boaters.
Australia has an advanced early warning system to warn of tsunami threats to Australian coastal communities. Timely warnings are provided by the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC), which we operate 24/7 with Geoscience Australia.
The JATWC also plays an important international role as regional Tsunami Service Provider for the Indian Ocean.
In this section, explore:
- what a tsunami is
- the Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre
- how we issue tsunami watches and warnings
- how deep-ocean buoys detect tsunamis.
For emergency services advice and non-urgent assistance during a tsunami, call your state or territory emergency services on 132 500.
For information to help you prepare, respond and recover from a disaster, visit the National Emergency Management Agency.
Tsunami bulletins and warnings are available on this website, the BOM Weather app and our audio warnings service – 1300 878 626 (1300 TSUNAMI).