HONOLULU (KHON2) -- On April 1, 1946, a strong earthquake near the Aleutian Islands in Alaska set off a massive tsunami that hit the Hawaiian Islands within only 4.5 hours. The disaster resulted in 158 fatalities, 163 injuries and widespread destruction. A total of 488 buildings were completely d estroyed, while 936 others were damaged. Tsunami waves reached heights of 33 to 54 feet throughout the state and caused damages exceeding $340 million. That's approximately $5.9 billion in today's economy. As a comparison, the 2023 Maui wildfires damages have been estimated at approximately $5 billion Since March 1, there have been several significant earthquakes worldwide. These include: March 3: A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Orcas Island in Washington state. March 8: A magnitude 5.2 earthquake occurred in the North Pacific Ocean near Hachinohe, Japan. March 9: A magnitude 5.2 aftershock struck in the East China Sea near Naze, Japan. March 28: A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing significant casualties and damage. The earthquake also affected neighboring regions, including Thailand and China with thousands of aftershocks felt throughout the entire region. ​ March 30: A magnitude 7.1 earthquake occurred east of Tonga that prompted a tsunami warning. On March 31, Japan’s government issued a warning that a megaquake along the Nankai Trough could trigger devastating tsunamis and potentially cause up to $1.81 trillion in economic damage. The new report estimates that a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake could result in tsunamis that flood vast areas, with an expected 298,000 deaths. This quake could occur off Japan’s southwest coast, with a high likelihood of a magnitude 9 earthquake in the coming years. The government’s warning is based on updated data, including increased flood areas. If the quake occurs at night in winter, up to 1.23 million people may need to evacuate. Here's how to be prepared for a tsunami. 1. Create a water supply When a tsunami hits, water supplies are impacted; so, be sure to collect enough water to last at least two weeks, if not longer. This is what happens to local water supplies when a tsunami comes. Saltwater intrusion: Tsunamis can flood freshwater aquifers with seawater, especially in low-lying coastal areas. Temporary changes in water tables: The intense pressure and displacement of water during a tsunami can cause temporary fluctuations in the water table. In some cases, the water table may rise because of the surge of water from the ocean, while in other areas, it could drop temporarily due to the withdrawal of groundwater caused by the shift in pressure. Damage to well infrastructure: The force of a tsunami can damage wells and other infrastructure used to extract groundwater. This could make it difficult for communities to access clean water in the aftermath. Long-term groundwater contamination: If the saltwater from the tsunami seeps into the ground and remains in the aquifer, it could contaminate the groundwater for a long time and make it unsuitable for consumption or agriculture. Erosion and land shifting: Tsunamis often cause significant erosion along coastlines, which can change the flow and direction of groundwater. This can either increase or decrease the availability of fresh water depending on the extent of the changes to the landscape. 2. Create a food stockpile Tsunamis tend to take out infrastructure when they hit. So, harbors, boats and storage facilities can be destroyed and make it impossible to receive normal shipments of the supplies we rely on. Be sure to have enough food for you and your family for at least two weeks. Store in cool, dark, dry places and ensure that you focus on acquiring non-perishable items. You will also need essential tools such as manual can opener, portable stove and oven, a propane/butane supply and basic cooking and eating utensils. 3. Create a first aid and medical kit Medical services will be stretched thin in a tsunami situation. It's important to be prepared for as much as you can possibly prepare for. Basic first aid supplies Adhesive bandages. Sterile gauze pads in multiple sizes. Medical tape in multiple sizes. Elastic bandages in multiple sizes. Antiseptic wipes. Hydrogen peroxide or iodine solution. Tweezers. Scissors. Cotton balls & swabs. Disposable gloves. Medications and treatments Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin). Antibiotic ointment. Burn cream or gel. Antihistamines. Anti-diarrheal medication. Oral rehydration salts (ORS). Antiseptic mouthwash. Cough and cold medicine. Anti-fungal cream. Any medications and supplies needed for chronic illnesses. Medical tools and equipment Thermometer. CPR face shield/mask. Tourniquet. Splinting materials. Eye wash solution. Instant cold packs. Syringes and needles. Personal protection and hygiene Face masks. Hand sanitizer. Soap & disinfectant wipes. Feminine hygiene products. Emergency blanket. Specialty and emergency Items: Epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). Prescription medications. Water purification tablets. Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife. Basic first aid manual. Emergency contact list. 4. Have backup power and lighting During emergencies, there is no guarantee there will be power available for anything. So, it's important to have you and your family set up for a safe experience. Portable power sources Portable power station and rechargeable battery banks with AC/DC/USB outlets. Power banks (high-capacity, at least 20,000mAh) for charging phones, radios, and small devices. Solar-powered chargers and/or foldable solar panels for off-grid charging. Hand-crank generators for small electronics and emergency lights. Car power inverter (converts DC to AC) to allows charging devices using a vehicle battery. Lighting equipment LED flashlights. Headlamps. Lanterns. Glow sticks. Candles and matches. Extra batteries and charging accessories AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V batteries. Rechargeable battery packs with extra USB charging cables. Solar battery charger for recharging your battery supplies. Extension cords and surge protectors. Alternative power generators Gasoline or propane generator with extra fuel stored safely. Solar generator. Wind-up emergency radio/light. Other useful accessories HAM radio. Waterproof storage case. USB-powered fans. Portable hand warmers. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You 5. Shelter and housing If you are in a tsunami area, then you will need to identify where you and your family are going to stay if your home is destroyed. If you are not, then it will ensure your home is equipped with sandbags and tarps. For anyone impacted by a tsunami, be sure to have backup supplies of bedding, including blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, emergency blankets and clothing. Most importantly, have an evacuation plan in place to get your family to a safe place regardless of where they are. 6. Communication plan Cell phones, landlines and internet may be disrupted when a tsunami hits; so, be sure you have a plan to be able to communicate with family. Set up a meeting place that is easy to access for everyone and practice regularly. Also, be sure you have equipped everyone with their own portable radio and/or HAM radio. 7. Consider mental health A disaster is difficult for everyone, and mental health can suffer in dire situations. Be sure your family is equipped with stress-relief tools like books, games or hobbies in order to distract and calm the mind. You can also implement mindfulness practices and regularly practice these so the family is familiar. A support network can really help. Some people plan multi-family plans that allow for a team approach to tackling the disasters. 8. Don't forget your stash of documents and cash Electricity will not be available; so, electronic payments of any kind will not work. Have cash ready. Also, be sure to have all your important documents in a portable, waterproof box that can be take with you. You can bring digital backups that can be used once we're on the other side of the disaster. 9. Multipurpose tools There are many things needed to go about our daily lives, even when everything in our life is disrupted. Essential multi-purpose tools Multi-tool, i.e. Leatherman, Gerber, Swiss Army Knife. Survival knife. Hatchet or small axe for chopping wood, breaking through debris. Folding saw. Crowbar/pry bar for opening jammed doors, lifting heavy debris. Hammer with claw for building, breaking, and pulling nails. Adjustable wrench for shutting off gas and water lines. Locking pliers (Vise-Grips) for gripping, twisting, and holding objects. Cutting and digging tools Machete for clearing vegetation and cutting debri Heavy-duty scissors for cutting bandages, clothing, or wire. Utility knife or box cutter for precision cutting of ropes, plastics, and packaging. Shovel for digging trenches or removing mud and debris. Pickaxe or mattock for breaking through compacted debris or earth. Power and lighting tools Headlamp for working at nigh Hand-crank flashlight. Solar-powered lantern for lighting larger areas. Cordless drill and bits for quick fixes if electricity is available. Safety and utility tools Rope or paracord (50-100 ft) for rescue, securing tarps, or towing items. Duct tape and electrical tape for quick repairs. Tarp and bungee cords for emergency shelter and covering damaged areas. Zip ties for securing loose items or temporary fixe. Firestarter (flint & steel, waterproof matches or lighter) for cooking and warmth. Navigation and communication tools Compass and waterproof map for navigation if roads are washed away. Emergency whistle for signaling for help. Two-way radios (walkie-talkies) for communication when cell networks are down. Heavy-duty protection gear Work gloves for handling debris safely. Dust masks for protection from dust, mold, and toxic particles. Goggles or safety glasses for eye protection. Rubber boots and waders for working in floodwaters. 10. Don't forget security and defense Security is not guaranteed in a tsunami situation. Being an island country makes us more vulnerable to total destruction since there is no continent for us to evacuate to. The police and emergency responders who do survive will be extra busy. Make sure you and family have taken self-defense classes, establish and neighborhood watch system and use your radios to stay up to date with emergency alerts. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 In short, stock up on supplies, prepare you and your family for anything and have those plans ready and practiced. ...read more read less