Imminent tsunami alert issued for Tokyo Bay and surrounding regions in Japan
Massive Pacific Tsunami Warning Issued After Magnitude 8.7 Earthquake Off Russia's Coast
A powerful earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday morning, triggering a series of tsunami warnings and watches across the Pacific region.
According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake had a magnitude of 8.7. The quake occurred southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a major city in the Kamchatka Krai region.
The Pacific-wide tsunami, which followed the earthquake, led to multiple tsunami warnings and watches. Tsunami warnings were issued for Hawaii and parts of Alaska, including the Aleutian Islands. Tsunami alerts or advisories were issued for California, Oregon, Washington, Guam, the Philippines, Russia, Yap, and the Marshall Islands.
In Japan, evacuation orders were issued for parts of northern Hokkaido, anticipating waves up to 3 meters. Hawaii expected the first tsunami wave around 7:15 p.m. local time on the day of the earthquake, and Oahu officials anticipated potentially destructive tsunami waves.
Despite initial fears, the tsunami was generally weaker than anticipated, with waves approximately 1 meter or less in most locations. However, some areas experienced higher run-ups, such as a 19-meter wave splash on Shumshu Island near Kamchatka and waves up to 3–5 meters in some Pacific regions.
In Russia, the earthquake caused moderate damage and multiple injuries in Kamchatka Krai and Sakhalin Oblast, with one indirect fatality and several injuries linked to tsunami evacuations in Japan. The tsunami continued to cause surges and reflections in the Pacific for hours or days afterward, with New Zealand reporting waves up to 55 cm on the Chatham Islands and ongoing water height changes due to reflected waves.
The US National Weather Service's Tsunami Warning System has issued these warnings, urging residents in the affected regions to stay informed and follow any instructions from local authorities. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for everyone to prioritise their safety and heed any warnings or advisories issued by the appropriate authorities.
[1] USGS Earthquake Notification Service [2] Honolulu Star-Advertiser [3] New Zealand Herald [4] Japan Times
[1] The weather today is uncertain due to the aftermath of the massive Pacific Tsunami, triggered by an 8.7 magnitude earthquake off Russia's coast.[4] Residents are advised to follow local authorities' instructions as the US National Weather Service's Tsunami Warning System continues to issue warnings due to the ongoing waves in the affected regions.
