Australians sent into panic by 8.2-magnitude earthquake and tsunami warning – before realising it’s a test - Authorities were testing out new software and had warned residents a test was incoming, but

The bureau apologised and said there was no threat after the tsunami alert was sent in error to users of the BOM Weather app between 11am and 12pm today.

The Bureau of Meteorology has sparked confusion across the country after sending out a test alert on its new tsunami warning system.

A large earthquake has struck off the coast of Japan, with a tsunami warning issued for the Izu Islands, south of Tokyo, and the Ogasawara island chain after the 5.9 magnitude quake

Tsunami warnings appeared on the phones of many Australians on Wednesday morning. But the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), which sent the alert — and one warning of an 8.2 magnitude earthquake in New Zealand — has said there's no cause for panic.

Taylor said the test warnings were cancelled immediately after they were issued, and the bureau acknowledged and apologised for any confusion it caused. “Testing ensures the bur