Prime Highlights
- A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake in the Pacific off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula sent tsunamis across the Pacific to Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast.
- The waves will hit as high as 10 feet in Hawaii, hitting as early as morning in Alaska through mid-day in Washington and California.
Key Fact
- It is one of the largest in the world in decades.
- Emergency procedures were put into place in Japan, the United States, and Russia to reduce coastal destruction.
Key Background
There was a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula at dawn on Wednesday and it set off mass Pacific basin tsunami warnings. It was northeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, at a relatively shallow depth, and funneled its seismic power. It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the region and immediate tsunami warnings and emergency measures were issued from other places:.
The U.S. also issued tsunami warnings to Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington. Weather and tsunami warning agencies forecasted early morning as the initial of the tsunami waves to strike areas in Alaska, subsequently Hawaii at 1:15 a.m. ET, and the West Coast of the United States between 2:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. ET. The beaches of Hawaii may be struck by a 10-foot wave, and evacuation centers are available with residents relocated away from coastlines.
Waves were predicted and afterward actually struck Japan’s Hokkaido island and nearby islands. Thousands were evacuated and the nation’s weather service closely watched for the threat of secondary waves. Russian coastal towns also were hit by waves of up to 13 feet but no fatalities but with emergency workers on stand-by.
US West Coast, especially Washington and California, is expecting possible wave action around local noon hours. Individuals are to avoid beaches, marinas, and coastal low-lying spots. Currents are robust and sketchy, even without monster waves.
San Francisco Indian consulate has issued a warning to Indian citizens of the affected tsunami zones, and they were requested to return from coastal strips and observe official security protocols. As there are chances of repeated surges waves, the emergency authorities issued a warning that the risk of the tsunami would instead be prolonged for hours and one must not go to the coastal areas without authorization from authorities.
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