Latest news with #EmergencyInfoBC
39 minutes ago
- Climate
Tsunami advisory cancelled for B.C. coast after massive Pacific earthquake
The National Tsunami Warning Centre cancelled a tsunami advisory for coastal B.C. early Wednesday. Residents of much of coastal B.C. were asked to avoid beaches and shorelines after a tsunami advisory (new window) was issued late Tuesday. An advisory is the second step in a three-tiered warning system, and it means strong currents are likely. Officials say an advisory means significant flooding isn't expected, but strong currents could be dangerous for those near the water. The advisory covers B.C.'s central and north coasts, Haida Gwaii and the west and northeast coasts of Vancouver Island. It also spans Juan de Fuca Strait and Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula. The District of Tofino on Vancouver Island had expected tsunami activity to reach the community overnight. A tsunami advisory for multiple parts of the B.C. coast was cancelled early Wednesday following a large earthquake in the Pacific basin near Kamchatka, Russia, on Tuesday afternoon. The U.S.-based National Tsunami Warning Centre (new window) says there was a magnitude 8.8 earthquake, with B.C. officials saying it occurred around 135 kilometres southeast of the Russian city of Petropavlovsk around 4:25 p.m. PT. A tsunami advisory, upgraded from an earlier watch, was issued for B.C.'s north and central coasts, including Kitimat and Bella Coola, Haida Gwaii and the west and northeast coasts of Vancouver Island. It also spanned the Juan de Fuca Strait from Jordan River to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula. Enlarge image (new window) B.C.'s tsunami zones are listed in this graphic from EmergencyInfoBC. On Tuesday, a tsunami advisory was issued for Zones A through D. Photo: Fournie par EmergencyInfoBC A tsunami advisory means residents should move away from the ocean and stay alert for more instructions from officials. Significant inundation is not expected for areas under an advisory, but coastal zones may be at risk due to strong currents, reads an Emergency Info B.C. advisory. The advisory adds strong waves and currents could drown or injure people who are in the water, and currents at beaches, harbours, marinas or bays could be especially dangerous. It had earlier advised boat operators in areas under a tsunami watch to move their boats out to sea to a depth of at least 55 metres if time and conditions permit, and avoid shallow water and inlets if they are already at sea. A tsunami warning, which is the highest level, means that residents should move away from the water immediately. Enlarge image (new window) This graphic shows the three-tiered tsunami warning system used by officials in B.C. As of Tuesday night, most of the B.C. coast is under an advisory. Photo: EmergencyInfoBC Taimi Mulder, an earthquake seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said that even if forecasted tsunami wave heights were small, people should heed the warnings to stay away from the water. One still wants to be away from the water, and the water's edge, at that time, she told CBC News late Tuesday night. Because unpredictable things could happen, and the currents will be much stronger than normal, and the water will be more confused-looking than normal. WATCH | Tsunami warnings issued after quake: Tofino beaches closed The District of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island said in an emergency notification around 7 p.m. PT that people shouldn't go to the shore to observe the waves, and later told CBC News in an email that it had closed all beaches until further notice. Emergency Info B.C. says Langara Island, off the coast of Haida Gwaii, saw tsunami waves around 10:05 p.m. PT, but the wave height was forecast to be less than 30 centimetres. Early Wednesday, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its tsunami bulletin to include regional observations, and for B.C., that included an observed maximum tsunami height of 27 centimetres at Winter Harbour, and 21 centimetres at Tofino. Enlarge image (new window) The Tofino coastline is seen from above in this stock image. The community on the west coast of Vancouver Island said that tsunami activity was forecast to reach it by 11:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday. Photo: Shutterstock / fokke baarssen John Cassidy, another seismologist with Natural Resources Canada, said Tuesday's earthquake was the type of seismic movement that was most likely to generate a tsunami. Those waves can travel across the Pacific.... They can travel a long way when they're out in the open ocean, he told Jason D'Souza, host of CBC's All Points West , just before 6 p.m. PT on Tuesday. The tsunami waves travel at about the same speed as a jet, he added. WATCH | When the first tsunami watch was issued for much of B.C.'s coast: If the magnitude of 8.8 is confirmed, the earthquake would be among the top 10 strongest earthquakes recorded since 1900 (new window) , according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It would be the strongest earthquake since the devastating 2011 earthquake that struck near the Tōhoku region of Japan, which had a magnitude of 9.0 and triggered a tsunami wave more than 40 metres high. It's a larger earthquake than we've seen,... in my lifetime anyway, that's that close [and] could potentially affect our B.C. coast, said Elmer Frank, chief councillor of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, whose traditional territories encompass Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island. Frank said Tuesday's earthquake and tsunami scare is a reminder for his community to keep up on emergency drills and preparedness. Enlarge image (new window) Elmer Frank, chief councillor of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, said the nation regularly communicates with its members about what needs to be done in an emergency situation. Photo: CBC No major tsunami expected to hit Hawaii The U.S. Geological Survey, in an updated measurement on Tuesday evening, said the quake hit at a depth of 20.7 kilometres. In the U.S. state of Hawaii, waves of up to 1.7 metres impacted the islands before the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre reduced its warning level for the state late Tuesday, saying no major tsunami was expected (new window) . Enlarge image (new window) Dennis and Devin Delatorre stand in the back of their truck waiting to return home on Tuesday after evacuating their Ewa Beach home in Kapolei Regional Park, Hawaii. Photo: Associated Press / Michelle Bir Initial wave impacts from the leading edge of the tsunami measured several feet at some monitoring stations, but 'follow-up' waves over the next several hours are often larger, said Maui County in a recent update (new window) . Cars jammed streets and highways in Hawaii's capital of Honolulu, with standstill traffic even in areas away from the shoreline. Ports on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia near the 8.8 magnitude quake's epicentre flooded as residents fled inland, and frothy, white waves washed up to the shore in northern Japan. People went to evacuation centres in affected areas of Japan, with memories fresh of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused reactor meltdowns at a nuclear power plant. No abnormalities in operations at Japan's nuclear plants were reported Wednesday. Russian authorities said several people were injured, without giving a figure. In Japan, at least one person was injured. Enlarge image (new window) A pedestrian walks past a TV screen displaying a tsunami warning in Tokyo on Wednesday. Photo: Associated Press / Louise Delmotte Akshay Kulkarni (new window) · CBC News · Journalist Akshay Kulkarni is an award-winning journalist who has worked at CBC British Columbia since 2021. Based in Vancouver, he is most interested in data-driven stories. You can email him at With files from All Points West, Rafferty Baker and The Associated Press
CTV News
39 minutes ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Tsunami advisories cancelled for B.C. coast after Russia earthquake
Update: At approximately 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, officials cancelled all tsunami watches and advisories in effect in B.C., saying no coastal areas are at risk. The province said it will be shutting down all operations centres. The original story follows below: British Columbians are being urged to stay away from coastal areas that remain under a tsunami advisory, after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded triggered warnings and alerts around the Pacific. The District of Tofino says beaches are closed, while the province's emergency information agency says people in areas covered by the advisory should stay away from shorelines, with strong waves and currents possible. Emergency Info BC had said tsunami waves of less than 30 centimetres were expected to hit Tofino, B.C., around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, but there was no immediate confirmation of their arrival that coincided with a low tide. Expand Autoplay 1 of 9 This image taken from a video released by Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shows the aftermath of tsunami hitting the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk at Paramushir island of Kuril Islands, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences via AP) In this image taken from a video released by Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service, rescuers inspect a kindergarten damaged by an earthquake in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Russian Emergency Ministry Press Service via AP) In this image taken from a video released by Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences, shows the aftermath of tsunami hitting the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk at Paramushir island of Kuril Islands, Russia, Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences via AP) People take shelter at a temporary evacuation site in Kushiro, Hokkaido, northern Japan Wednesday, July 30, 2025 after a powerful earthquake in Russia's Far East prompted tsunami alert in parts of Japan. (Kyodo News via AP) A traffic jam forms in Honolulu Tuesday, July 29, 2025 as people heed a tsunami evacuation warning that coincided with rush hour following a powerful earthquakes in Russia's Far East early Wednesday. (AP Photo) Oahu residents evacuate Ewa Beach to the side of Kunia Road due to the threat of tsunami in Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP photo/Michelle Bir) Ewa Beach residents Carlo Salas and CJ Jasper, with their families, are evacuated at the side of Kunia Road to escape the tsunami threat Kapolei, Oahu, Hawaii, Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (AP photo/Michelle Bir) People take shelter on the roof of a fire station in Mukawa town, Hokkaido, northern Japan Wednesday, July 30, 2025, after a powerful earthquake in Russia's Far East prompted tsunami alert in parts of Japan. (Kyodo News via AP) People are seen on Wickaninish Beach at Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino, B.C., on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, amid a tsunami advisory. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner However, at 1:20 a.m. Pacific daylight time, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its tsunami bulletin to include regional observations. For British Columbia, that included an 'observed maximum tsunami height' of six centimetres at Langara Island, 27 centimetres at Winter Harbour, 21 centimetres at Tofino and nine centimetres at Bamfield. The quake that hit off the coast of southeastern Russia on Tuesday had a preliminary magnitude of 8.8, which would make it the world's strongest quake since 2011. The tsunami advisory in B.C. covers the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast and northeastern Vancouver Island, the island's west coast and the Juan de Fuca Strait from the Jordan River area to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula. Signs alerting people about the tsunami advisory were posted at Wickaninish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park, southeast of Tofino, but people continued to take in Tuesday's sunset, although the parking lot was mostly empty. tsunami warning Tofino People are seen on Wickaninish Beach at Pacific Rim National Park near Tofino, B.C., on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, amid a tsunami advisory. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dirk Meissner Campers at the JX Surf Shop campground between Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island were glued to their phones overnight searching for the news about the tsunami. However, most appeared to be staying put for the night. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 40 centimetres was detected in 16 locations as the waves moved south along the Pacific coast. But officials urged caution, saying bigger waves could come later, with the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Centre saying waves higher than three metres were possible in parts of Hawaii, Ecuador and Russia. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicentre on the Kamchatka Peninsula. With files by The Associated Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025. Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press
National Observer
2 hours ago
- Climate
- National Observer
British Columbians told to avoid the coast, after Russia quake triggers tsunami advisory
British Columbians are being urged to stay away from coastal areas that remain under a tsunami advisory, after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded triggered warnings and alerts around the Pacific. The District of Tofino says beaches are closed, while the province's emergency information agency says people in areas covered by the advisory should stay away from shorelines, with strong waves and currents possible. Emergency Info BC had said tsunami waves of less than 30 centimetres were expected to hit Tofino, BC, around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, but there was no immediate confirmation of their arrival that coincided with a low tide. However, at 1:20 a.m. Pacific daylight time, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its tsunami bulletin to include regional observations. For British Columbia, that included an "observed maximum tsunami height" of six centimetres at Langara Island, 27 centimetres at Winter Harbour, 21 centimetres at Tofino and nine centimetres at Bamfield. The quake that hit off the coast of southeastern Russia on Tuesday had a preliminary magnitude of 8.8, which would make it the world's strongest quake since 2011. The tsunami advisory in BC covers the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast and northeastern Vancouver Island, the island's west coast and the Juan de Fuca Strait from the Jordan River area to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula. Signs alerting people about the tsunami advisory were posted at Wickaninish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park, southeast of Tofino, but people continued to take in Tuesday's sunset, although the parking lot was mostly empty. Campers at the JX Surf Shop campground between Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island were glued to their phones overnight searching for the news about the tsunami. However, most appeared to be staying put for the night. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 40 centimetres was detected in 16 locations as the waves moved south along the Pacific coast. But officials urged caution, saying bigger waves could come later, with the US National Tsunami Warning Centre saying waves higher than three metres were possible in parts of Hawaii, Ecuador and Russia. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicentre on the Kamchatka Peninsula. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 30, 2025.
Global News
2 hours ago
- Climate
- Global News
Tsunami advisory for B.C. remains in effect after major Russian earthquake
A tsunami advisory remains in effect for parts of coastal British Columbia after a magnitude 8.8 earthquake hit the Far East region of Russia overnight. The advisory, which was upgraded from a watch late Tuesday night, covers the North Coast and Haida Gwaii; the Central Coast and Northeast Vancouver Island, including Kitimat, Bella Coola and Port Hardy; the West Coast of Vancouver Island from Cape Scott to Port Renfrew; and the Juan de Fuca Strait from Jordan River to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula. According to Emergency Info BC, tsunami waves were expected to hit Langara Island at about 10:05 p.m. Pacific daylight time (PDT), with Tofino to see waves at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. There has been no immediate confirmation of their arrival as of Wednesday morning. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, however, notes in regional observations that an 'observed maximum tsunami height' of six centimetres was observed at Langara Island, with 27 cm seen at Winter Harbour, 21 cm at Tofino and nine cm at Bamfield. Story continues below advertisement 0:47 Tsunami advisory issued for B.C. coast following massive earthquake in Russia The agency warns people in B.C. to stay away from the shore due to concerns about strong currents, warning that both waves and currents can drown or injure people in the water. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy People are also advised not to go near the shore to observe the currents or waves. Japan's Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 40 cm was detected in 16 locations as the waves moved south along the Pacific coast. Several countries issued tsunami watches, advisories and warnings as a result, though as of Wednesday morning, some of the warnings in Hawaii, Japan and other parts of Russia have been downgraded. A warning is the most serious type of tsunami alert, while an advisory, like what's in place for parts of B.C., means there is the potential for strong currents and dangerous waves, as well as flooding on beaches or in harbours. Story continues below advertisement The waves were triggered by what is believed to be the strongest recorded quake since the 2011 earthquake that hit Japan and caused a massive tsunami. Several people were injured in Russia, but no deaths have been reported so far. — with files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press
Vancouver Sun
2 hours ago
- Climate
- Vancouver Sun
British Columbians told to avoid coast after Russia quake triggers tsunami advisory
WICKANINISH BEACH, B.C. — British Columbians are being urged to stay away from coastal areas that remain under a tsunami advisory, after one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded triggered warnings and alerts around the Pacific. The District of Tofino says beaches are closed, while the province's emergency information agency says people in areas covered by the advisory should stay away from shorelines, with strong waves and currents possible. Emergency Info BC had said tsunami waves of less than 30 centimetres were expected to hit Tofino around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, but there was no immediate confirmation of their arrival that coincided with a low tide. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. However, at 1:20 a.m. local time, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration updated its tsunami bulletin to include regional observations. For British Columbia, that included an 'observed maximum tsunami height' of six centimetres at Langara Island, 27 centimetres at Winter Harbour, 21 centimetres at Tofino and nine centimetres at Bamfield. The quake that hit off the coast of southeastern Russia on Tuesday had a preliminary magnitude of 8.8, which would make it the world's strongest quake since 2011. The tsunami advisory in B.C. covers the North Coast and Haida Gwaii, the Central Coast and northeastern Vancouver Island, the island's west coast and the Juan de Fuca Strait from the Jordan River area to Greater Victoria, including the Saanich Peninsula. Signs alerting people about the tsunami advisory were posted at Wickaninish Beach in Pacific Rim National Park, southeast of Tofino, but people continued to take in Tuesday's sunset, although the parking lot was mostly empty. Campers at the JX Surf Shop campground between Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island were glued to their phones overnight searching for the news about the tsunami. However, most appeared to be staying put for the night. The Japan Meteorological Agency said a tsunami as high as 40 centimetres was detected in 16 locations as the waves moved south along the Pacific coast. But officials urged caution, saying bigger waves could come later, with the U.S. National Tsunami Warning Centre saying waves higher than three metres were possible in parts of Hawaii, Ecuador and Russia. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicentre on the Kamchatka Peninsula. With files by The Associated Press Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
