NOAA Says Cuts Won’t Affect Tsunami Alerts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says the cuts planned for its tsunami warning network won’t affect emergency alerts.

That agency has issued a rebuttal of accusations levied by the group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports that NOAA acknowledges the $4.6 million in cuts will reduce its ability to maintain tsunami buoys at sea. But the agency says the buoys are needed only to confirm a tsunami, not issue warnings.

NOAA says it will continue to operate what it calls “the most mission-critical tsunami activities” and says that includes full funding to operate the tsunami warning centers, among other activities.