
Russia: Tsunami Warning Issued After Earthquake Off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula News18

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New Indian Express
3 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Tsunami evacuations ordered in South America, but worst risk appears to pass for US after huge quake
HONOLULU: Fears of a devastating tsunami faded Wednesday for the U.S. and Japan after one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck off a sparsely populated Russian peninsula, but new alerts along South America's Pacific coast forced evacuations and closed beaches. Warnings in the first hours after the 8.8 magnitude quake sent residents fleeing to rooftops in Japan and forced tourists out of beachfront hotels in Hawaii, snarling island traffic. In Russia, several people were hurt rushing to get out of buildings, including a hospital patient who jumped from a window. Millions of people were told to move away from the shore or seek high ground because they were potentially in the path of the tsunami waves, which struck seaside areas of Japan, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast but did not appear to cause any major damage. The dire warnings following the massive quake early Wednesday off Russia's Kamchatka peninsula evoked memories of catastrophic damage caused by tsunamis over the last quarter-century. In Japan, people flocked to evacuation centers, hilltop parks and rooftops in towns on the Pacific coast with fresh memories of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused a nuclear disaster. Cars jammed streets and highways in Honolulu, with traffic at a standstill even far from the sea. 'We've got water, we got some snacks ... we're going to stay elevated,' said Jimmy Markowski, whose family from Hot Springs, Arkansas, fled their Waikiki beach resort before evacuation orders were lifted. 'This is our first tsunami warning ever. So this is all new to us.' Although tsunami advisories remain in place along much of the U.S. West Coast and authorities warned sightseers to stay away from beaches, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said the worst was over. 'We were fully deployed and ready to respond if necessary but grateful that we didn't have to deal with the situation that this could have been,' she told reporters in Chile, where she is meeting officials.


Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Tsunami warnings breakdown: Everything you need to know, how to stay safe, do's and don'ts after the 8.8 Russian earthquake
A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29, 2025, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific. From Japan and Hawaii to the U.S. West Coast, Chile, and Southeast Asia, millions were placed under evacuation advisories or watched with growing concern as tsunami waves began reaching coastal shores. With waves over 10 feet in some areas, the quake has raised urgent questions about safety, preparedness, and response. Understanding how tsunami alerts work and what actions to take can make the difference between life and death. Here's a detailed breakdown of what you need to know. What do different tsunami alerts mean? Tsunami warning This is the highest level of alert. It means tsunami waves are imminent or already occurring and pose a serious threat to coastal areas. Immediate evacuation to higher ground is advised. Authorities may use sirens, text alerts, and loudspeakers to issue real-time updates. Shelters may be opened, and roads redirected for evacuation. Delaying action during this stage could be fatal. Tsunami advisory This alert indicates that a tsunami capable of producing strong currents and dangerous waves is expected, though widespread flooding may not occur. While coastal flooding might be limited, the ocean's behavior becomes unpredictable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Stay out of the water and off beaches, and remain alert for updates. Marinas and harbors may be especially hazardous during this time. Tsunami watch This means a tsunami is possible, but there isn't yet enough data to confirm. It's a time to prepare and monitor further alerts. Watches can be upgraded quickly as new seismic data arrives. Stay tuned to official sources and avoid dismissing the risk, even if the water seems calm. Regional impacts of the Russian quake Russia (Kamchatka Peninsula) Waves between 10 to 13 feet struck the eastern coast, damaging buildings in Severo-Kurilsk. An emergency was declared, and residents were quickly moved to higher ground. Although no casualties have been reported yet, infrastructure damage is being assessed. Emergency crews are distributing food, water, and supplies to remote areas. Japan Up to 60 cm (2 feet) waves reached areas from Hokkaido to near Tokyo. Nearly two million people were under evacuation advisories. Railway and airport operations were temporarily suspended, and sea walls were closely monitored for breaches. The Japanese Meteorological Agency maintained constant updates through public broadcasts. United States Hawaii reported waves as high as 10 feet. Urgent evacuations were carried out in low-lying coastal zones. The U.S. West Coast, including California and Alaska, faced tsunami advisories. Schools and public offices closed early, and residents were urged to stay off coastal roads. The NOAA continues to monitor ocean activity across Pacific regions. Other affected regions Tsunami alerts extended to Chile, Peru, Mexico, Panama, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Some areas experienced waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet). Coastal communities were put on standby, and several governments activated disaster response protocols. In many areas, beach tourism came to a sudden halt. How tsunamis form and why they're dangerous Tsunamis are typically triggered by sudden shifts in the seafloor—most often caused by undersea earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions. These geological events displace massive volumes of water, creating long, high-energy waves. In deep water, tsunami waves can pass unnoticed; near shore, they slow down and rise dramatically. This phenomenon, known as wave shoaling, makes tsunamis especially dangerous as they appear suddenly and with immense force. They behave like fast-moving floods, not typical ocean waves. Even small tsunamis can carry enough force to sweep away cars, homes, and people. Coastal infrastructure, including seawalls and levees, may not be sufficient against powerful surges. How monitoring systems work DART (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis) buoys track sea-level changes in real time. These specialized buoys are connected to pressure sensors on the ocean floor and are part of an international network. These buoys send information to global tsunami warning centers, helping authorities make quick decisions about alerts and evacuations. Combined with satellite data and seismic readings, they form the backbone of modern tsunami warning systems. Alerts can be upgraded or downgraded quickly based on fresh data. Public messaging systems, from text alerts to emergency sirens, are integrated into national disaster management programs. What to do before, during, and after a tsunami Before a tsunami: Preparation tips Know whether you live or work in a tsunami risk zone. Coastal and low-lying areas are especially vulnerable. Check with local authorities or online hazard maps. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and nearest high ground. Cities often have posted signs and public information about safe locations. Prepare an emergency kit and communication plan. Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, and a radio. Practice evacuation drills with your family or workplace to ensure everyone knows what to do. During a tsunami warning If an earthquake strikes, drop, cover, and hold. Then evacuate as soon as it's safe. If you're near the coast and feel a long or strong quake, don't wait for an official warning—go to higher ground immediately. Move inland or to higher ground—do not wait for visual confirmation of a wave. Tsunamis may arrive within minutes and may not be visible until it's too late. Avoid beaches, rivers, and low-lying areas. These zones are the first to be inundated. If on a boat, move to deeper waters if advised by authorities. Marina docks are dangerous and unstable during tsunamis. Where to take shelter If you can't get inland, go to a reinforced multi-story building and climb to the top. Concrete buildings with rooftop access are the safest option in cities. Avoid staying in small or single-story coastal buildings. These structures are highly vulnerable to structural collapse. Seek vertical evacuation where horizontal movement isn't possible. After a tsunami Wait for official "All Clear" notices—multiple waves can strike over hours. Some of the deadliest tsunami waves have occurred well after the initial event. Stay away from flooded areas, broken roads, and debris. Downed power lines and unstable structures pose additional risks. Avoid using electricity or touching wet electrical systems. Floodwater can create electrocution hazards. Report any damage to local authorities. Use texts or social media for communication to avoid overloading phone lines. This ensures emergency lines remain open for those in critical need. What not to do Don't go to the coast to 'watch' the tsunami arrive. Curiosity can be deadly. Don't assume it's over after the first wave—later surges can be stronger. Don't try to swim or wade through fast-moving water. It only takes 6 inches of water to knock an adult off their feet. Don't return home until officials say it's safe. Hidden dangers and secondary waves could be imminent. Historical context: How this quake compares The July 29 quake is tied as the 6th strongest ever recorded worldwide. It was stronger than the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake that devastated Japan. The strongest recorded quake was a 9.5 magnitude event in Chile in 1960. That event triggered one of the most destructive tsunamis of the 20th century. This quake occurred at a shallow depth (~20 km), increasing its tsunami potential. Shallow quakes shift more ocean volume and release energy closer to the surface. Scientists expect strong aftershocks, possibly up to magnitude you're in a tsunami-prone region, staying informed and prepared can save lives. Heed official warnings, avoid unnecessary risks, and always prioritize evacuation over belongings. Natural disasters offer little warning but plenty of opportunity to be ready—plan now, stay alert, and help others do the same.


News18
5 hours ago
- News18
8.8 Earthquake Rocks Russia Moscow Miraculously Untouched! Russia Earthquake Kamchatka
Early Wednesday, Russia woke up to one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded. Well, not all of Russia. The 8.8 earthquake that struck 119 kilometres from the Russian city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and triggered several-feet waves along the coasts of the Pacific Ocean, did not have any effect on the Russian capital of Moscow. News18 Mobile App -