STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES (SOPs)
PREPARED BY
National Seismic Monitoring & Tsunami Early Warning Centre,
PAKISTAN METEOROLOGICAL DEPARTMENT
KARACHI, March, 2010
Preface
Tsunamis are infrequent high impact hazards. These events can cause a considerable number of fatalities, inflict major damage, and cause significant economic loss to large sections of coastlines. Pakistan (Sindh-Makran coast) was also hit by a tsunami in 1945 due to a major earthquake in subduction zone in Indian Ocean (Makran subduction zone). Some recent studies have also revealed that the coastal areas from Runn of Kutch to Pasni (along Sindh – Makran coast) are under threat of any future tsunami that may generate owing to some big earthquake in the Arabian Sea.
In the aftermath of catastrophic trans-Indian Ocean Tsunami of 26th December, 2004 and unprecedented Kashmir Earthquake of 8th October, 2005 and keeping in view the potential risk of any tsunami along Pakistan coast, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has established a state-of-the art Seismic Monitoring and Tsunami Early Warning Centre at PMD Complex, Karachi (with a back centre at Islamabad) with the support by the Government of Pakistan and UNESCO / IOC. However, for an effective early warning system it is imperative that the system operates according to predefined protocols, commonly known as Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). I feel satisfaction and pleasure that the document entitled “Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for National Seismic Monitoring and Tsunami Early Warning Centre (NSM & TEWS), Karachi” is ready for implementation. The SOP has been developed by a team of experts headed by Mr. Muhammad Riaz, Chief Meteorologist (NSM & TEWS) to disseminate tsunami early warnings in a timely and well understandable manner. The document can also be shared with other agencies. It is a live document and is subject to review from time to time. The document consists of two parts, Part-I for the Arabian Sea (Makaran subduction zone) and Part-II for rest of the Indian Ocean (Sumatra & surroundings). Every effort has been made to make the document accurate, however, any error(s) or suggestion(s) will be appreciated in order to make it more reliable and useful.
I appreciate the efforts of the expert team of PMD for their dedication towards development of this important document of national interest. I am also indebted to UNESCO/IOC for their valuable contribution to hold the training workshops for the training of staff of NSM & TEWC and for the development of end-to-end SOP for tsunami early warning system. I wish to express my gratitude to Mr. Uli Wolf, Mr. Tony Elliot, Mr. Masahiro Yamamoto, Dr. Fouzi, Mr. Adito M. Kodijat, Ms. Jane Cunneen and Mr. Arslan Syed for their cooperation, support and guidance during the training workshops jointly held by PMD and UNESCO/IOC.
Islamabad, the April 28, 2010
___________________________
(Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry)
National Seismic Monitoring and Tsunami Early Warning Centre (NSM &TEWC)
(An overview).
1. INTRODUCTION
Following the December 26, 2004 Sumatra tsunami and October 8, 2005 Kashmir earthquake Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) which is carrying out multifarious activities under the Ministry of Defence planned to establish National Seismic Monitoring and Tsunami Early Warning Centre (NSM & TEWC) at Karachi. The centre has been operational since 28th November, 2008 on round-the-clock basis. The mission of the National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) is to provide timely and well understandable tsunami warnings when a major earthquake occurs under sea at a shallow depth. In order to achieve the objectives NTWC uses National and Global Seismographic networks data on real-time basis to monitor seismic activity in order to locate potentional tsunamigenic earthquakes. NTWC also receives tsunami advisories issued by the International Tsunami Warning Centres like Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) for Indian Ocean. Upon receiving all the necessary data/information, the centre evaluates the threat to the coastal areas of Pakistan and issues Tsunami Bulletins to Emergency Response Authorities(ANNEX-I) and Media. NTWC also receives sea level data through IOC website to verify the generation and severity of the potential tsunami. This information is also disseminated in subsequent bulletins according to the procedure laid down in SOPs.
Multiple communication channels have been established for dissemination of the bulletins. Two SMS terminals for mobile phone dissemination and three FAX terminals (two automated and one manual) have been reserved for this purpose. Routine tests and exercises are carried out to test the Standard Operating Procedure.
The NTWC keeps watch on Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean in general and Arabian Sea in particular. The Arabian Sea floor is comprised of four tectonic plates named as Eurasian Plate, Arabian Plate, Indian Plate and African Plate. In North Arabian Sea, near the Makran coast, Arabian Sea Plate is subducting underneath the Eurasian plate, resulting into a subduction zone commonly known as Makran Subduction Zone. Subduction zones in the oceans mainly responsible for destructive tsunami generation.
Separate Standard Operating procedures have been prepared for each oceanic area.
- BULLETIN ISSUANCE CRITERIA
The following three parameters are used to evaluate the tsunamigenic potential of an earthquake.
- LOCATION:- Whether the earthquake is located under or very near the sea.
- DEPTH:– Whether the earthquake is located close enough to the surface to have caused a significant displacement of that surface.
- MAGNITUDE:– Various magnitude ranges and their combination with other parameters for Makran Subduction Zone are shown in the following table.
| LOCATION | MAGNITUDE | TSUNAMI POTENTIAL | ACTION |
| Under the Arabian sea | 6.5 to 7.0 | A small possibility of local destructive Tsunami | Tsunami Bulletins |
| 7.1to 7.5 | Local destructive Tsunami | Tsunami Bulletins | |
| 7.6 to 7.9 | Regional/Wide-spread destructive Tsunami | Tsunami Bulletins | |
| 8.0 & above | Wide-spread destructive Tsunami | Tsunami Bulletins |
- TYPE OF MAGNITUDE
The magnitude used by NSM & TEWC is the moment magnitude, Mw, because for large earthquakes, it is more accurate and reliable than other magnitudes.
- LOCAL TSUNAMI
A local Tsunami is the one with destructive or life threatening effects usually limited to with in the radius of 100 km of the epicentre.
- REGIONAL TSUNAMI
A Regional Tsunami is one with destructive or life threatening effects usually limited to with in the radius of 1000 km of the epicentre.
- OCEAN-WIDE TSUNAMI
By Ocean-Wide Tsunami is meant a Tsunami with destructive or life threatening effects
that can extend across the entire ocean basin.
- BULLETIN CONTENTS
Bulletins are divided into four sections. A “Header” gives the Bulletin number and time of issuance. The number starts from 1 and is incremented to maximum 4 for a tsunami event in Arabian Sea and 2 to 4 for Sumatra and surroundings. Below header, it is indicated that who is issuing agency, e.g. PMD, followed by the earthquake parameters including origin time, location co-ordinates, location name, depth and magnitude. The next section is the evaluation regarding potential and destructive effects of tsunami. The incremental Bulletins 2 and 3 have the sections regarding estimated arrival times/wave heights and tide gauge data at key locations. In case of no tsunami generation, Bulletin-3 will be treated as cancellation for Makran and Sumatra Subduction Zones. In case of confirmation of tsunami generation Bulletin-4 will serve as cancellation. Sample Bulletins are provided, separately for Makran Subduction Zone and Sumatra. Arrival times and wave heights provided by GUITAR simulation software are also placed as sample. This software has been provided by UNESCO. UNESCO played very important role to help PMD in establishing such type of facilities at NTWC and in providing the training to the staff of the warning centre. For this purpose three training workshops were conducted in collaboration with PMD to develop end-to-end tsunami SOPs.
4. BULLETIN DISSEMINATION
The following circuits and methods are used to disseminate Tsunami Bulletins:
- Automated GPRS based SMS.
- Mobile phone based SMS (Backup). iii. Automated fax- 2 Channel. iv. Manual fax- 1 Channel.
- Satellite telephone Communication.
- Website updating www.pakmet.com.pk/seismic and e-mail
5. RECEPTION OF THE TSUNAMI BULLETINS FROM INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
The centre has WMO based GTS terminal, through which Tsunami information bulletins are received from PTWC/JMA. The information contained in these bulletins is incorporated in the products of the centre.
6. TESTS AND EXERCISES
NSM & TEWC conducts regular tests to check the operational status of data acquisition system, communication system and dissemination system. Exercises are also carried out repeatedly to test the SOP. For this purpose dummy messages are sent with the header of “TEST”, to ensure that the message is not misunderstood.
7. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)
A Standard Operating Procedure or SOP:
- Is the procedural guidance and actions to be taken to notify the Tsunami information, in case an earthquake occurs in the Arabian Sea (Makran Subduction Zone) or Indian Ocean (Sumatra & Surroundings).
- Is a set of written instructions describing routine or repetive activities to be followed by NSM & TEWC staff during a Tsunami event which may occur in any of the above oceanic area. These activities include data processing, evaluation of tsunami, issuance of bulletins using multi-channeled communication; estimation of the arrival times and wave heights using software; monitoring sea level data to confirm or cancel the Tsunami warning; collection of information from PTWC/JMA through GTS/website/Media channels and incorporate this information in the bulletins issued by the centre.
8. LIMITATIONS
- The numbers of seismic stations along Pakistan coast are limited which may cause delay in analyzing the earthquake and consequently serious delay in issuance of tsunami warnings.
- The centre has no real time sea level monitoring. OIC website is being used for this purpose, reception of data from this website is delayed up to about 30-45 minutes and only one location of Karachi is available. Serious problem is in waiting for confirmation or cancellation of tsunami warning especially in case of a future tsunami from Makran Subduction Zone.
- There is no GPS station to monitor co-seismic and post-seismic crustal deformation.
SOP FOR ISSUANCE OF “TSUNAMI BULLETINS”
IN ARABIAN SEA (MAKRAN SUBDUCTION ZONE)
- For earthquakes having magnitude between 4.5 to 6.4, only earthquake parameters will be sent to RESPONSE AUTHORITIES and MEDIA through SMS and FAX.
- Maximum four Bulletins will be issued for earthquakes having magnitude 6.5 or above to
RESPONSE AUTHORITIES and MEDIA.
- BULLETIN-1:- This bulletin will contain;
- Earthquake Parameters.
- Tsunami evaluation based on historical earthquake and tsunami data.
•This bulletin will be issued according to time line of Bulletin-1.(page-9)
- BULLETIN-2:- This bulletin will contain;
- Revised Earthquake Parameters (if so).
- Estimated arrival times and wave heights at various locations along Pakistan Coast based on GUITAR/PTWC/JMA.
- Tide gauge data if generation of tsunami has been confirmed.
•This bulletin will be issued soon after the dissemination process of Bulletin-1 is completed.
•In case the Tsunami generation is confirmed, the first sentence of Evaluation will be deleted.
- BULLETIN-3:- This bulletin will contain;
- Revised earthquake parameters (if so).
- Tide gauge data of Pakistan Coast to confirm the generation of tsunami iii. Any change if tsunami has been confirmed in Bulletin-2.
iv. This bulletin will serve as cancellation in case a sufficient time has lapsed after the estimated arrival time but no significant change is observed in sea level. In such case it will be the last bulletin.
•This bulletin will be issued when ever tide gauge data confirms the tsunami generation (CONFIRMATION).
- BULLETIN-4:- (Cancellation)
- This bulletin will contain earthquake parameters and tsunami evaluation regarding cancellation.
- This will be the last bulletin and will serve as cancellation.
Important. Supplementary bulletins (SMS/FAX) will be issued in between regular bulletins depending upon the prevailing situation.
SMS FORMAT FOR ARABIAN SEA
| EARTHQUAKE MAGNITUDE RANGE | DESCRIPTION OF MESSAGE |
| 4.5-6.4 | Earthquake Parameters |
| 6.5-7.0 | E/Q M 6.3 in Arabian Sea dt 06-12-2009 at 15:55 PST. A small possibility of tsunami threat for Pak. Coast. PMD |
| 7.1-7.5 | E/Q M 7.5 in Arabian Sea dt 06-12-2009 at 11:24 PST. Local Tsunami may generate. Threat to Pak. Coast. PMD. |
| 7.6-8.0 | E/Q M 8.0 in Arabian sea dt 06-12-2009 at 09:53 PST. Widespread Tsunami may generate. Inland destruction possible along Pak. Coast. PMD. |
| Greater than 8.0 | E/Q M 8.5 in Arabian sea dt 06-12-2009 at 18:35PST. Destructive tsunami with severe inland damages possible along Pak. Coast. PMD. |
EARTHQUAKE BULLETIN
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-01
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION:
There is a very small possibility of a local Tsunami that could affect coasts located up to one hundred kilometers from the earthquake epicenter and also may cause minor to moderate damages in land areas. However, based on historical earthquake and tsunami data, a destructive widespread Tsunami threat does not exist.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
6.5-7.0
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION: It has not been confirmed whether Tsunami has been generated or not.
However, Based on historical earthquake and tsunami data a destructive widespread Tsunami threat does not exist.
SIMULATION RESULTS:
Estimated initial tsunami wave arrival times and wave heights, at the various locations are given below. However, actual arrival times and wave heights may differ.
CITY NAME ARRIVAL TIME (UTC) WAVES HEIGHT (meters)
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below.
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
N E UTC m/ft min
PASNI PK 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
LAT – LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH) LON – LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME – TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME) AMPL – TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL. IT IS …NOT… CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT. VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS (M) AND FEET (FT).
PER – PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES (MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
(Cancellation)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has not been generated. Therefore, the Tsunami
Bulletin, issued by this centre, is cancelled.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Any change)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
| N E UTC m/ft min | |
| PASNI PK | 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN |
| ORMARA PK | 25.42 64.62 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN |
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below;
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Cancellation)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-04
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
Evaluation:
The sea level readings indicate that threat is over for most of the area. Therefore, the Tsunami warning, issued by this centre, is now cancelled. For any affected area, where no major waves have occurred for at least 2 hours, after the estimated arrival time or damaging waves have not occurred for 2 hours, the local authority may assume that the threat is passed.
Action regarding the “all clear”, decision must be made by local authorities.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-01
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION:
There is a possibility of a local Tsunami that could affect coasts located usually not more than a hundred kilometer from the earthquake epicentre and may cause moderate to large scale infrastructure damages. However, based on historical earthquake and Tsunami data, a destructive widespread tsunami threat does not exist.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
7.1-7.5
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION: It has not been confirmed whether Tsunami has been generated or not.
However, Based on historical earthquake and tsunami data a destructive widespread Tsunami threat does not exist.
SIMULATION RESULTS:
Estimated initial tsunami wave arrival times and wave heights, at the various locations are given below. However, actual arrival times and wave heights may differ.
CITY NAME ARRIVAL TIME (UTC) WAVES HEIGHT (meters)
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below.
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
N E UTC m/ft min
PASNI PK 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
LAT – LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH) LON – LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME – TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME) AMPL – TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL. IT IS …NOT… CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT. VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS (M) AND FEET (FT).
PER – PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES (MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
(Cancellation)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has not been generated. Therefore, the Tsunami
Bulletin, issued by this centre, is cancelled.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Any change)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below;
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
N E UTC m/ft min
PASNI PK 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN ORMARA PK 25.42 64.62 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Cancellation)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-04
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
Evaluation:
The sea level readings indicate that threat is over for most of the area. Therefore, the Tsunami warning, issued by this centre, is now cancelled. For any affected area, where no major waves have occurred for at least 2 hours, after the estimated arrival time or damaging waves have not occurred for 2 hours, the local authority may assume that the threat is passed.
Action regarding the “all clear”, decision must be made by local authorities.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-01
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION:
Based on the historical data, earthquakes of this size may cause large scale infrastructure damages besides generation of widespread tsunami in the Arabian Sea. However, it is not known that a tsunami has been generated. This watch is based only on the earthquake evaluation. However, aftershocks of lesser magnitude may follow the main event.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
7.6-8.0
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION: It has not been confirmed whether Tsunami has been generated or not.
Based on historical earthquake and tsunami data, earthquakes of this size may cause large scale infrastructure damages besides generation of widespread tsunami in Arabian Sea..
SIMULATION RESULTS:
Estimated initial tsunami wave arrival times and wave heights, at the various locations are given below. However, actual arrival times and wave heights may differ.
CITY NAME ARRIVAL TIME (UTC) WAVES HEIGHT (meters)
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below.
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
N E UTC m/ft min
PASNI PK 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
LAT – LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH) LON – LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME – TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME) AMPL – TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL. IT IS …NOT… CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT. VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS (M) AND FEET (FT).
PER – PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES (MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
7.6-8.0
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has not been generated. Therefore, the Tsunami
Bulletin, issued by this centre, is cancelled.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Any change)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below;
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
N E UTC m/ft min
PASNI PK 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN ORMARA PK 25.42 64.62 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Cancellation)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-04
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
Evaluation:
The sea level readings indicate that threat is over for most of the area. Therefore, the Tsunami warning, issued by this centre, is now cancelled. For any affected area, where no major waves have occurred for at least 2 hours, after the estimated arrival time or damaging waves have not occurred for 2 hours, the local authority may assume that the threat is passed.
Action regarding the “all clear”, decision must be made by local authorities.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-01
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION:
Based on the historical data, earthquakes of this size may cause wide-spread infrastructure damages and Tsunami generation in the Arabian Sea and along coastline of Pakistan. However, it is not known that a tsunami has been generated. This watch is based only on the earthquake evaluation. However, aftershocks of lesser magnitude may follow the main event.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
8.0 and above
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION: It has not been confirmed whether Tsunami has been generated or not.
However, based on the historical data, earthquakes of this size may cause widespread infrastructure damages and Tsunami generation in the Arabian Sea and along coastline of Pakistan.
SIMULATION RESULTS:
Estimated initial tsunami wave arrival times and wave heights, at the various locations are given below. However, actual arrival times and wave heights may differ.
CITY NAME ARRIVAL TIME (UTC) WAVES HEIGHT (meters)
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below.
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
N E UTC m/ft min
PASNI PK 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
LAT – LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH) LON – LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME – TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME) AMPL – TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL. IT IS …NOT… CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT. VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS (M) AND FEET (FT).
PER – PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES (MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
8.0 and above
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has not been generated. Therefore, the Tsunami
Bulletin, issued by this centre, is cancelled.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Any change)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-03
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below;
| N E UTC m/ft min | |
| PASNI PK | 25.40 63.48 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN |
| ORMARA PK | 25.42 64.62 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN |
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423 (Cancellation)
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-04
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
Evaluation:
The sea level readings indicate that threat is over for most of the area. Therefore, the Tsunami warning, issued by this centre, is now cancelled. For any affected area, where no major waves have occurred for at least 2 hours, after the estimated arrival time or damaging waves have not occurred for 2 hours, the local authority may assume that the threat is passed.
Action regarding the “all clear”, decision must be made by local authorities.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
CONTANTS OF BULLETIN-1 FOR ARABIAN SEA
| MAGNITUDE RANGE | MATTER TO BE SENT ON FAX |
| 4.5-6.4 | Earthquake Parameters |
| 6.5-7.0 | Earthquake Parameters & Tsunami Evaluation. |
| 7.1-7.5 | Earthquake Parameters & Tsunami Evaluation. |
| 7.6-8.0 | Earthquake Parameters & Tsunami Evaluation. |
| Greater than 8.0 | Earthquake Parameters & Tsunami Evaluation. |
SOP FOR ISSUANCE OF “TSUNAMI WATCH”
IN INDIAN OCCEAN (SUMATRA & SURROUNDINGS)
M 7-7.9 (WATCH)
- No SMS or Fax Bulletin will be issued for Earthquake having magnitude less than 6.0.
- For Earthquakes having magnitude 6-6.9, only Earthquake parameters will be sent to designated authorities through SMS.
- There will be only two Bulletins for earthquakes having magnitude 7-7.9
- Both the Bulletins i.e. 1 & 2 will be issued to RESPONSE AUTHORITIES only for information. However, if generation of tsunami has been confirmed, Bulletin-2 will also be sent to MEDIA only through FAX.
- BULLTIN-1 (TSUNAMI WATCH) will be issued for earthquakes having
magnitude 7-7.9. This bulletin will contain:
- Earthquake parameters.
- Evaluation:– Based on historical data an earthquake of this magnitude may generate local/Regional Tsunami. However, there is no threat for Pakistan.
1. BULLETIN-2
- Will be based entirely on PTWC/JMA information.
- Will contain the revised earthquake parameters (if so) and information whether Tsunami has been generated or not. It will be the last Bulletin for the Indian Ocean.
SMS FORMAT FOR INDIAN OCEAN
| MAGNITUDE RANGE | DESCRIPTION OF MESSAGE |
| Less than 6 | No Action |
| 6.0-6.9 | Earthquake Parameters |
| 7.0-7.9 | E/Q M 7.8 in Indian Ocean dt 20-12-2009 at 14:50 PST. Regional Tsunami may generate .No Tsunami threat for Pakistan. PMD. |
| 8.0 & Above | E/Q M 8.9 in Indian Ocean dt 20-12-2009 at 13:55 PST. Ocean wide tsunami may generate and can affect Pakistan. PMD. |
| 7.0-7.9 |
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-01
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION:
Based on the historical data, earthquakes of this magnitude have potential to generate local/regional tsunami. However, it is not known that a tsunami has been generated, as yet. This watch is based only on the earthquake evaluation.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423
7.0-7.9
Confirmation
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. This bulletin is forwarded only for information.
* No Tsunami Threat for Pakistan coast
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423
7.0-7.9
Cancellation
TSUNAMI BULLETIN-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has not been generated. This bulletin is forwarded only for information.
* No Tsunami Threat for Pakistan coast
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
SOP FOR ISSUANCE OF “TSUNAMI ALERT”
IN THE INDIAN OCEAN (SUMATRA & SURROUNDINGS)
M 8.0 & ABOVE (ALERT)
- BULLETIN-1 (TSUNAMI ALERT) will be issued for earthquakes of magnitude 8 and above with earthquake parameters and tsunami evaluation.
- BULLETIN-2
- Will be based entirely on GUITAR simulation and PTWC/JMA information.
- This bulletin will be issued 10 minutes after PTWC/JMA message. In case PTWC/JMA message is not received, the GUITAR simulation output will be incorporated in this bulletin.
- This Bulletin will contain revised earthquake parameters (is so) and tide gauge data, in case generation of Tsunami has been confirmed OR this bulletin will be treated as cancellation, if Tsunami has not been generated.
- BULLETIN-3 (Cancellation)
Will be issued after two hours of the estimated arrival time, in case tsunami generation has been confirmed in Bulletin-02
8.0 and above
OCEAN WIDE TSUNAMI ALERT BULLETIN NO-01
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
EVALUATION:
Based on the historical data, earthquakes of this magnitude have potential to generate ocean wide destructive tsunami. However, it is not known that a tsunami has been generated, as yet. This alert is based only on the earthquake evaluation.
* The Tsunami may affect Pakistan coast.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429 Fax : 021-99261423
8.0 and above
Cancellation
OCEAN WIDE TSUNAMI ALERT BULLETIN NO-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has not been generated. Therefore the tsunami alert issued by this centre may be treated as cancelled.
.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
8.0 and above
Confirmation
OCEAN WIDE TSUNAMI ALERT BULLETIN NO-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIMES
Estimated initial Tsunami wave arrival times, at various locations are given below. However, actual arrival times may differ.
| COUNTRY | CITY NAME | LAT LON ARRIVAL TIME | DATE | ||
| INDIA | BOMBAY | 18.8N 72.6E | 0856Z | 14 OCT | |
| GULF OF KUTCH | 22.7N 68.9E | 0926Z | 14 OCT | ||
| OMAN | SALALAH | 16.9N 54.1E | 0827Z | 14 OCT | |
| MUSCAT | 23.9N 58.6E | 0837Z | 14 OCT | ||
| IRAN | GAVATER | 25.0N 61.3E | 0840Z | 14 OCT | |
| SRI LANKA | COLOMBO | 6.9N 79.8E | 0409Z | 14 OCT | |
| MALDIVES | MALE | 4.2N 73.6E | 0446Z | 14 OCT | |
OBSERVATION OF TSUNAMI ACTIVITY:
Sea level observations indicate that a tsunami has been generated. Arrival times and wave heights, as observed at tide gauge locations, are given below:
GAUGE LOCATION LAT LON TIME AMPL PER
SABANG ID 5.8N 095.3E 0125Z 4.0M/13.1FT 17MIN
LAT – LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH)
LON – LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
TIME – TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME) AMPL – TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL.
IT IS …NOT… CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT.
VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS (M) AND FEET (FT).
PER – PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES (MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax: 021-99261423
8.0 and above
Cancellation
OCEAN WIDE TSUNAMI ALERT BULLETIN NO-02
Issued at 00:00:00 PST
National Tsunami Warning Centre (NTWC) of Pakistan Meteorological Department has recorded an Earthquake with the following preliminary seismological parameters:
Earthquake Originated on 05-03-2010 at 21:07 PST
Mag: ___________________
Depth: __________________
Lat: _____________________
Long: ___________________
Location: ________________
Pak.Met.Dept
Evaluation:
The sea level readings indicate, as reported by PTWC, that threat is over for most of the area. Therefore, the Tsunami alert issued by this center is now cancelled. For any affected area when no major wave have occurred for at least 2 hours, after the estimated arrival time or damaging waves have not occurred for 2 hours, the local authority may assume that the threat is passed.
Action regarding the all clear, decision must be made by local authorities.
Sd/=
Duty Seismologist
Phone: 021-99261429
Fax : 021-99261423
CONTANTS OF BULLETIN-1 FOR INDIAN OCEAN
| MAGNITUDE RANGE | MATTER TO BE SENT ON FAX |
| Less than 6.0 | No Action |
| 6.0-6.9 | Earthquake Parameters |
| 7.0-7.9 | Earthquake Parameters & Tsunami Evaluation. |
| 8.0 & Above | Earthquake Parameters & Tsunami Evaluation. |
SOP FOR OPERATIONAL STAFF OF NSM & TEWC KARACHI (WHEN JOIN THE DUTY)
- Proper briefing from the outgoing shift.
- Check the operational status of all components;
- Seiscomp-3
- SMS system
- DSL & Telephone lines. iv. FAX
- GTS System for PTWC/JMA tsunami Advisories.
- Uploading of data on website.
- Guitar. viii. Status of Electric Generator.
- Air Conditioners installed in the Hall.
- All Computers.
- Operational Status of all Broad Band Stations.
- Satellite.
Report O. K.; otherwise mention unserviceability and inform the concerned officer for action and advice;
- Mr. Sohail, Computer Expert 03332100936.
- Mr. Attaullah, EE 03442221103.
- Mr. Nasir, EE (for Generator) 03332189724.
- Director (seismic) 03337899442.
- Chief Met. Karachi 03008026286.
- Chalk out strategy for performing the jobs;
i. Earthquake Analysis. ii. Guitar simulation. iii. SMS Message. iv. Satellite phone Message.
v. Earthquake report/Bulletin through FAX.
- Check SOP(s) for;
i. Arabian Sea. ii. Indian Ocean.
iii. Pacific Ocean.
- Contact Islamabad, UARS Peshawar and G. C Quatta for stand by in case of system failure at NSMC.
i. Seismic Islamabad 051-9250291. ii. UARS Peshawar 091-921084. iii. G. C. Quatta. 081-9213378
► Stay in position that earthquake of high target is going to be occurred very soon.
(ANNEX-1)
RESPONSE AUTHORITIES
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
- Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan.
- Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh.
- District Coordination Officer(s) (DCO) Gwadar, Lasbella, Karachi, Thatta and Badin.
- Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy.
- Karachi Port Trust (KPT).
- Maritime Security Agency (MSA).