Tsunami threat passes, residents free to return home Published Feb. 28, 2010 By 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Kadena personnel and their families who evacuated low-lying coastal areas earlier today are now free to return to their homes, per direction of the 18th Wing commander, Brig. Gen. Ken Wilsbach. Waves of up to six feet were predicted for Okinawa, but the tsunami largely fizzled out. There were no reports of damage or injuries on the island as a result of the tsunami. According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, when no major waves are observed for two hours after the estimated time of arrival or damaging waves have not occurred for at least two hours, then the threat is assumed to have passed. Danger to boats and coastal structures can continue for several hours due to rapid currents. As a result the sea condition around the island remains red, and personnel are urged to stay out of the water until at least tomorrow. The tsunami warning was issued yesterday as a result of an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Chile.