A massive magnitude 8.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia on Tuesday, causing significant concern across the Pacific region. The seismic event occurred approximately 85 miles from the east coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, with a depth reported at nearly 12 miles, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Following the primary quake, aftershocks with magnitudes of 6.3 and 6.9 were also recorded in the vicinity, heightening fears of potential tsunami impacts.
In response to the earthquake, a tsunami warning has been announced for Alaska's Aleutian Islands and Hawaii. Furthermore, California, Oregon, and Washington are currently under a tsunami advisory, as officials evaluate the risk. The U.S. territory of Guam is also under a tsunami advisory, as reported by the USGS. The first tsunami wave is expected to reach Hawaii shortly after 7:15 p.m. local time, with destructive tsunami waves anticipated, according to Oahu Emergency Management.
Sources from ABC News indicate that the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has activated its Emergency Operations Center. In preparation for potential disaster, officials have also initiated their Joint Information Center and are coordinating with Hawaii Governor Josh Green's team. As part of the statewide warning system, sirens are currently sounding across all Hawaii islands every ten minutes for the next three hours to alert residents of the impending danger. Authorities are urging those in coastal areas to evacuate immediately.
Residents in Honolulu have been specifically advised to evacuate the primary evacuation zone or seek refuge on at least the fourth floor of nearby buildings. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that all shores of the island are at risk, as tsunami waves can wrap around islands. The danger of tsunamis can persist for many hours after the initial wave, and subsequent waves may be larger than the first. As emphasized by the NWS, predicting tsunami heights can be challenging; hence, the first wave may not necessarily be the largest.
An additional advisory has been issued for the Pacific Coast regions of Japan, spanning from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Japan's meteorological agency has cautioned that a tsunami approximately 1 meter (3 feet) high is expected to reach Hokkaido around 10:00 a.m. local time, with waves anticipated later in the day along parts of eastern Honshu and Kyushu. Residents have been advised to stay clear of the coast and river mouths and not to approach the water for observation.
A tsunami warning signifies that a tsunami capable of causing widespread and dangerous flooding and strong currents is imminent. Conversely, a tsunami watch indicates that a distant earthquake has occurred, and a tsunami is possible. It is crucial for communities in affected areas to remain vigilant and heed all warnings issued by authorities.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates as more information becomes available.
