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The Guardian
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Guardian
Weather tracker: Heavy rainfall across India, Japan and Hong Kong causes widespread disruption
Large parts of Asia have been especially wet this week and the heavy rain is forecast to continue into next week. Hong Kong issued four black rainstorm warnings – the most times this warning has been issued in a single week. The worst of the rainfall was seen on 5 August, when more than 350mm of rain fell in 24 hours, the highest daily rainfall recorded in August since 1884. This caused widespread disruption on roads and flights. The state of Uttarakhand in northern India was also hit by flash flooding and landslides as more than 200mm of rain fell within a day. One person has died and more than 50 people remain missing amid rescue efforts hampered by further heavy rain, which has made it more difficult to reach those areas in need. Uttarakhand is highly susceptible to landslides and flooding, especially during the monsoon season. This is due to the mountainous terrain of the Himalayas, which intensifies the rainfall as moist air is forced upwards, combined with the steep-sided valleys. After the sweltering heat in Japan last week, this week saw record-high rainfall in Kanazawa, the capital of the Ishikawa prefecture on the west coast in Honshu. According to the Japanese meteorological agency, 148mm fell within three hours. This was due to an area of low pressure that moved in from the west across the Sea of Japan bringing a conveyor belt of warm moist air. This conveyor belt then supplied moisture to a cold front that was moving southwards across the country. The intensity of the rainfall was enhanced by average sea temperatures over the Sea of Japan 3-5C above the seasonal average. Bullet trains were disrupted and roads were closed as a result of this rain. More heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast to move in from the south-west across Japan later this week and early next week as another area of low pressure moves in, with this system also affecting South Korea. This wet weather comes outside of Japan's normal rainy season, which stretches from early June to mid-July. South-west Europe is bracing for a heatwave that is set to start this week and become more widespread by next week. Spain and France have already issued warnings with temperatures set to soar above 40C, first in northern Spain by the end of this week and then into southern France next week. Bordeaux and Toulouse are expected to see the most anomalous weather with temperatures rising to more than 12C above the seasonal average.
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Climate
- 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.
The Guardian
30-07-2025
- The Guardian
Ozzy Osbourne's funeral and a tsunami alert: photos of the day
A television screen shows a news report from the Japanese Meteorological Agency following a 8.8-magnitude quake off the Kamchatka peninsula Photograph: Jiji Press/EPA Ewa Beach residents Carlo Salas and CJ Jasper, with their families, are evacuated at the side of Kunia Road to escape the tsunami threat in Kapolei Photograph: Michelle Bir/AP People seek higher ground in Hokkaido prefecture after Japan's meteorological agency issued a tsunami alert for Japan's Pacific coast Photograph: NTV via AP A drone image shows an area damaged by flood water in Suceava county Photograph: Romanian General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations/Reuters Tourists holding parasols walk through the Tottori sand dunes Photograph: Louise Delmotte/AP Mourners attend the funeral of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire while trying to receive aid, according to medics, at al-Shifa hospital Photograph: Mahmoud Issa/Reuters Australian nationals identified by their initials as MC, PT and DJF, the suspects in the fatal shooting of an Australian tourist in June, take part in a police re-enactment Photograph: Firdia Lisnawati/AP A crew member in the missile compartment on board the USS Ohio, the first Ohio-class submarine to pull into the port of Brisbane. The USS Ohio is a nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine with 150 crew Photograph: Darren England/AAP A wildfire near houses in Arouca, northern Portugal. Almost 2,700 firefighters battled to contain forest blazes across Portugal that have led to almost the whole country being put on high alert for fires Photograph: Carlos Costa/AFP/Getty Images Artists perform in the play Ceremonia Viva during the 500th anniversary commemoration of the founding of Santa Marta. The city marked the milestone with a theatrical ceremony blending music, memory, fire, spirituality and popular celebration, honoring a history that began long before the arrival of the conquistadors Photograph: Carlos Ortega/EPA A dancer poses for a photograph outside the Mballet dance academy as it prepares for the upcoming Johannesburg auditions of The Nutcracker Photograph: Phill Magakoe/AFP/Getty Images The American swimmer Regan Smith competes in a heat of the women's 200m butterfly swimming event during the 2025 World Aquatics Championships Photograph: François-Xavier Marit/AFP/Getty Images Lady Gaga performs onstage during the Mayhem Ball tour Photograph:for Live Nation The US Capitol police arrest 27 rabbis following an act of civil disobedience inside the office of the US Senate majority leader, John Thune. The members of the Jewish clergy were seeking to draw attention to the need for immediate action to provide food aid to Gaza's population Photograph: Sue Dorfman/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Tributes are left in advance of Ozzy Osbourne's funeral cortege traveling through his home city of Birmingham. The Black Sabbath frontman's death occurred just a little over two weeks after his final live performance at the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham Photograph:
Leaders
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Leaders
Massive Russian Quake Ignites Pacific-Wide Tsunami Alerts
An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Russia early Wednesday, generating multiple tsunamis in the northern Pacific. Authorities from Hawaii to New Zealand quickly issued tsunami warnings as this quake marks the strongest seismic event since the 2011 disaster that caused meltdowns at a nuclear power plant in Japan. The powerful earthquake hit Russia's Far East at 8:25 AM Japan time, registering a preliminary magnitude of 8.0, which the US Geological Survey later updated to 8.8. The quake occurred at a depth of 20.7 kilometers, approximately 119 kilometers east-southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city with a population of 180,000. Tsunami warning sirens blared in Honolulu, prompting residents to move to higher ground, with the Japanese Meteorological Agency reported a tsunami measuring 40 centimeters in Tokachi, located on Hokkaido's southern coast. Damage and Evacuations in Russia The Kamchatka Peninsula, closest to the quake's epicenter, experienced damage and evacuations as local governor Valery Limarenko confirmed that the first tsunami wave hit Severo-Kurilsk, the main settlement on Russia's Kuril Islands. Fortunately, residents remained safe and stayed on high ground until the threat of additional waves subsided. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned that the quake-generated tsunami could cause damage along all Hawaiian coastlines. The advisory urged immediate action to protect lives and property, with the first waves expected around 7 PM local time. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management announced that small tsunami waves would likely reach the coast around 11:40 PM local time. Wave heights could range from 30 to 60 centimeters, with officials urging residents to avoid beaches, harbors, and marinas until the advisory is lifted. 'This is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose risks to those near the water,' the department stated. Oregon, along with much of the West Coast, including British Columbia, Washington, and California, remains under a tsunami advisory. Warnings Extend to Other Regions Furthermore, multiple aftershocks, some as strong as 6.9 magnitude, followed the initial quake. In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, buildings sustained damage, and power outages occurred. Russian news agencies reported that several individuals sought medical assistance, but no serious injuries were confirmed. Japanese nuclear power plants along the Pacific coast reported no abnormalities following the quake. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, confirmed that about 4,000 workers took shelter on higher ground while monitoring the situation remotely. Philippine authorities warned coastal provinces of possible tsunami waves under one meter, advising residents to stay away from beaches and coastal areas. Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology emphasized that even smaller waves could pose dangers for swimmers. Additionally, New Zealand authorities also issued warnings about 'strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges' along their coastlines. The government emergency management agency advised people to stay out of the water and away from beaches, harbors, and rivers. However, this earthquake is the strongest to hit the Kamchatka Peninsula since 1952, with the local branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported that while the situation remains 'under control,' aftershocks could persist for up to a month. They cautioned against visiting certain coastal areas. Earlier in July, five powerful quakes, including one with a magnitude of 7.4, struck near Kamchatka, as the largest quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers, 144 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. On 4 November, 1952, a magnitude 9.0 quake in Kamchatka caused significant damage but no reported fatalities, despite generating 9.1-meter waves in Hawaii. Short link : Post Views: 15
Forbes
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
Hawaii Tsunami Warning Downgraded—Waves Hit California And Japan Coasts
The tsunami waves hit Pacific coastlines across Japan, Hawaii and parts of California early on Wednesday, although no major damage was reported in Hawaii, hours after a powerful magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. Oahu residents evacuate Ewa Beach to the side of Kunia Road due to the threat of tsunami in Kapolei, ... More Oahu, Hawaii. Associated Press The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency announced: 'The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has downgraded the Tsunami Warning for the state of Hawaii to a Tsunami Advisory,' a few hours after waves triggered by the earthquake first hit the state's coastline. At a press conference announcing the downgrade officials said there have been no reports of 'large damage' from the waves and that those who had evacuated could return to their homes based on local advisories. The Japanese Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning that covers the entirety of the country's eastern seaboard. Tsunami waves measuring above 4 feet were recorded in the coastal town of Kuji in eastern Japan, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported, adding that the tsunami threat is expected to remain for a day. The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management said the first tsunami waves began 'impacting Hawaii' at around 8:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The National Weather Service also noted that tsunami waves have been detected along the coasts of California, warning that the roughly 5 feet high waves detected in the graphs only show the 'observed arrival of the initial tsunami wave, NOT the peak magnitude.' A tsunami warning is in effect the coastal area along the Oregon-California border including Cape Mendocino, California. Tsunami watches and advisories are in effect all across the U.S. West Coast, but the National Weather Service issued a warning, saying: 'Tsunami is a series of wave carrying a large extra mass of water to our coast. This will NOT be a single wave. Do NOT try to go to the coast to take photos.' Russian state media reported flooding caused in tsunami waves in parts of Kuril Islands in the country's far east region—which is also a disputed territory claimed by Japan. This screen shot shows a tsunami alert on a mobile photo in Honolulu. Associated Press According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center's latest update, the initial waves that hit Hawaii ranged between 0.4 and 4 feet. The updated noted that tsunami is a series of waves and 'The danger may persist for many more hours as waves activity continues. Tsunami waves efficiently wrap around islands so all shores are at risk no matter which direction they face.' In a press conference, the Hawaii Governor said the first tsunami wave that passed through Midway Atoll, which is located around 1,300 miles northwest of Honolulu, measured 6 feet 'from peak to trough.' Green said a tsunami of that size would be like a 'three-foot wave riding on top of the ocean,' although the waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller. A wave of that size could cause people to drown, move cars and throw fences around, he added. Green then warned residents: 'You need to expect that there will be flooding on the islands and it will be imminent after the wave hits,' as he urged them to heed evacuation orders immediately. An earlier forecast by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said, the tsunami waves could reach as high as 10 feet (3 meters) along the coast of Northwestern Hawaii. Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency said the 'Initial effects of tsunami waves are expected to occur on the Kauai coast, with effects to Hawai'i Island beginning 20-30 minutes later. These massive waves can wrap around the island shore, so impacts may occur at any point along the coast.' The state's Department of Transportation noted that all flight from Kahului International Airport have been cancelled and passengers are sheltering in the terminal. The Tsunami warnings in Japan covered its entire Pacific Coast. 'Tsunamis can strike repeatedly over a long period of time. The waves that come after the first one may be larger, so it is important to continue evacuating until the tsunami warning or advisory is lifted,' the Japanese Meteorological Agency said. In response to the tsunami alert, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency issued an evacuation advisory that covered more than 1.9 million people across 21 prefectures across the country. What Do We Know About The Earthquake In Russia And Its Aftermath? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the the powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake's epicenter was located just off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia. The is no official word on the number of casualties from the quake, but state media reported that around 2,700 were evacuated from the Kuril Islands in Russia's far east due to a tsunami threat. Surprsing Fact The 8.8 magnitude temblor is the biggest earthquake recorded by the USGS since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Japan, which caused a major tsunami and triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Crucial Quote In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump wrote: 'Due to a massive earthquake that occurred in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami Warning is in effect for those living in STRONG AND STAY SAFE!' Further Reading Tsunami Reaches Hawaii and California After Biggest Quake Since 2011 (New York Times) Tsunami warning issued for Japan's Pacific coast, 1.3-meter wave observed (NHK)
