Sulawesi Tsunami Warning Lifted – The 5th Alarm Error of 2018

Another alarm error this year. After an earthquake in Sulawesi the tsunami warning was lifted.

Indonesia earthquake: Tsunami warning issued after powerful 7.5-magnitude quake strikes east of Borneo

A powerful earthquake has struck off the coast of Indonesia, triggering a tsunami warning.
The huge 7.5 magnitude quake was recorded near the island of Sulawesi, east of Borneo, the US Geological Survey said.
Authorities lifted an early tsunami warning within an hour, although officials warned those in the area to remain vigilant as a number of aftershocks hit.

Source: www.independent.co.uk - 9.28.2018


Scientists were surprised by the ensuing tsunami, which resulted in conflicting warning messages. But experts suggest that the area's unique geology could be to blame for the unusual progression of the disaster.

The earthquake followed a series of temblors that began around 2:00 PM WIB with a 6.1-magnitude quake.

Source: www.nationalgeographic.com - 9.28.2018


INDONESIA’S geophysics agency says a powerful Sulawesi earthquake caused a tsunami, apparently after the agency lifted a tsunami warning.
Hary Tirto Djatmiko confirmed that a tsunami occurred.
He said the agency was still collecting information and would release it after confirming its accuracy.
Source: www.news.com.au - 9.28.2018

The tsunami up to 2 metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said.

"The earthquake and tsunami caused several casualties ... while initial reports show that victims died in the rubble of a collapsing building," National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told reporters. "The number of casualties and the full impact is still being calculated."
Sutopo said the disaster caused a power outage that cut communications in Donggala and surrounding areas. The Communications Ministry is working to repair 276 electricity base stations.

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com - 9.28.2018


The Fifth Alarm Situation This Year
  • The 1st alarm alert error was in Hawaii. On January 13th, 2018 a false alarm was sent. People received text messages regarding a North Korean missile attack. See also: Hawaii Missile Alert Error 

  • The 2nd alarm alert error was in Japan on January 16th, 2018. Japan's public broadcaster sent news alerts that North Korea has launched missile.

  • The 3rd alarm alert error was on February the 6th, 2018 for the residents of the US East and Gulf Coasts and the Caribbean. A text message was sent to cellphones regarding a Tsunami.

  • The 4th alarm alert error, The Netherlands on March 5, 2018. Instead of the monthly alarm system test sound, nothing was heard in several provinces.

  • The 5th alarm alert error, Sulawesi, Indonesia on September 28, 2018. A major 7.5 quake struck off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi today, but a tsunami warning that followed was lifted within the hour.