A: Hey there! Did you catch the news?
B: Nope, what's up?

A: Well, check this out! The Japan Meteorological Agency is now using "data not available" when tsunami observation systems are damaged.
B: Whoa, really? Why's that?

A: They want to help us understand if a big tsunami might be coming so we can take action. It started on Thursday. If they can't get info from a place, they say "data not available."
B: I see... That sounds important. Last year's Noto Peninsula earthquake taught them something, didn't it?

A: Exactly! During that earthquake, the tsunami gauges in Suzu City stopped working because the land was lifted. They couldn't provide any data, even though waves were coming!
B: And what happened during the Tohoku earthquake?

A: Same thing. The observation facilities got damaged by debris when a huge tsunami hit. Now, if we see "data not available" while there are tsunami warnings, we should evacuate right away. It means a big tsunami might be on its way!
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The Japan Meteorological Agency has begun using the label "data not available" when tsunami observation systems are damaged and unable to function.



The agency aims to help the public understand when a large tsunami may be approaching so they can take action to protect their lives.



The JMA implemented the new system at noon on Thursday. The agency says it will report a "data not available" status for locations where information on tsunami cannot be obtained.



The move is based on lessons learned from the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula. When an earthquake with a risk of tsunami occurs, the agency typically issues a major tsunami warning, tsunami warning, or tsunami advisory within about three minutes.
It also provides updates on the observed time and height of tsunamis at different locations, using data from observation systems installed along the coast.



But during last year's Noto Peninsula earthquake, the tsunami gauges set up at a fishing port in Ishikawa Prefecture's Suzu City became inoperable after the land in the area was uplifted. As a result, the agency was unable to publish tsunami height or other data, even though waves were approaching the city.



The JMA was also unable to capture data when a major earthquake struck off the coast of the Tohoku region. Observation facilities were damaged by debris swept in by the massive tsunami.



The agency says that if people see or hear the "data not available" label while tsunami warnings are in place, they should assume a large tsunami might be approaching and evacuate immediately.
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Quiz 1:
The Japan Meteorological Agency started using a new system for tsunami observations due to what reason?
A. To improve the accuracy of the tsunami predictions
B. To help the public understand when a large tsunami may be approaching
C. To provide more frequent updates on observed tsunamis
D. To minimize damage to observation systems during earthquakes

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B

Quiz 2:
During the Noto Peninsula earthquake, what happened to the tsunami gauges installed at a fishing port in Suzu City?
A. They became operable after the land was uplifted
B. They were damaged by debris swept in by the massive tsunami
C. They provided accurate data on the approaching tsunamis
D. They continued to function despite the earthquake

[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 2: A

Quiz 3:
When a "data not available" label is seen or heard while tsunami warnings are in place, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency, what should people assume and do?
A. Assume that no large tsunami is approaching and continue their normal activities
B. Evacuate immediately as a large tsunami might be approaching
C. Wait for further updates from the agency
D. Ignore the warning and wait for someone else to take action