A tsunami warning issued minutes after the quake on Wednesday was quickly canceled.
That alert was upgraded to an emergency warning five minutes before the storm hit.
Several eyewitnesses said army troops "gave no warning", but one witness said he heard them issue a warning several minutes after the initial shooting.
Residents were given 16 minutes' warning before the tornado touched down - officials said such advisories were usually issued eight to 10 minutes ahead of a twister.
Tornado sirens gave people here about 20 minutes' warning before the storm struck around 7 p.m.
At the fire's peak, some residents had only a few minutes' warning to get out.
I was there for days but when it was time to leave we were only given 30 minutes warning.
There'd be three minutes' warning and what could I do to save people, running hither and thither?
I couldn't leave my hotel room, in case they gave me the go-ahead with 15 minutes' warning.
What's more, it would have allowed several minutes' warning before the accompanying tsunami.
