Tsunami advisory after a distant earthquake prompts an early campus release

As of 10:56 a.m., the U.S. National Weather Service has upgraded the Tsunami Watch to a Tsunami Advisory for the CNMI. In light of this change, all NMC employees, students, and campus visitors are permitted to leave to assist their families in evacuating and securing their homes. As a reminder, Northern Marianas College’s As Terlaje campus is a designated tsunami evacuation zone. In the event of a tsunami warning, the meeting point for community members is the NMC field and parking area. Preparedness Actions for CNMI Residents: • Stay informed: Tune in to official sources such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) or the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. • Be ready to act: The community is advised to prepare in case the watch is elevated to an advisory or warning. • If an advisory is issued: Move to higher ground—at least 100 feet inland and 50 feet above sea level—if you are in a coastal area. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. Any changes to class schedules or office hours will be announced via: • Student and employee email (@marianas.edu) • NMC website: www.marianas.edu • NMC Facebook page: facebook.com/NMC.proa • Local news and radio outlets