Back to Page Index 4. Keep calm and quickly move to higher ground away from the coast. All large earthquakes do not cause tsunamis, but many do. If the quake is located near or directly under the ocean, the probability of a tsunami increases. When you hear that an earthquake has occurred in the ocean or coastline regions, prepare for a tsunami emergency.
Tsunamis can occur at any time, day or night.
They can travel up rivers or streams that lead to the ocean. A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves. Approaching tsunamis are sometimes heralded by noticeable rise or fall of coastal waters. This is nature's warning and should be heeded. A small tsunami at one beach can be a giant a few miles away.