Latest news with #Residents
CBC
2 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
Japan, Hawaii and Russia downgrade tsunami warnings after powerful earthquake
THE LATEST No widespread damage so far where strong ocean waves have already washed ashore 8.8 magnitude quake causes small tsunamis in Japan, Alaska and Hawaii Authorities in Japan, Russia and Hawaii downgrade tsunami warnings Warnings extend as far as North and Central America and New Zealand Authorities urge people to stay away from shorelines, warn risk could last more than a day One of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded struck off Russia's sparsely populated Far East early Wednesday, sending tsunami waves into Japan, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Several people were injured, but none gravely, and no major damage has been reported so far. Authorities warned the risk from the 8.8 magnitude quake could last for hours, and millions of people potentially in the path of the waves were initially told to move away from the shore or seek high ground. But the danger already appeared to be lessening in some places, with authorities downgrading their warnings in Hawaii, Japan and parts of Russia. Residents fled inland as ports flooded on Kamchatka near the quake's epicentre, while frothy, white waves washed up on the shore in northern Japan. Cars jammed streets and highways in Honolulu, with standstill traffic even in areas away from the sea. People flocked 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, but said all were in stable condition, though they gave few details. In Japan, at least one person was injured. A tsunami height of three to four metres was recorded in Kamchatka, 60 centimetres on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, while tsunami waves about 60 to 152 centimetres high reached San Francisco early Wednesday, officials said. Much of the West Coast, spanning California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, were under a tsunami advisory. Hawaii downgrades to tsunami advisory Hawaii was still under a tsunami advisory as Wednesday began, but evacuation orders on the Big Island and Oahu, the most populated island, had been lifted. An advisory means there is the potential for strong currents and dangerous waves, as well as flooding on beaches or in harbours. "As you return home, still stay off the beach and stay out of the water," said James Barros, administrator of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The impact of the tsunami could last for hours or perhaps more than a day, said Dave Snider, tsunami warning co-ordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Centre in Alaska. "A tsunami is not just one wave," he said. "It's a series of powerful waves over a long period of time. Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour — as fast as a jet airplane — in deep water. But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up. And that's where that inundation problem becomes a little bit more possible there." Image | RUSSIA-QUAKE/PENINSULA-JAPAN Caption: A woman rests at an evacuation tower in Kushiro, Hokkaido, northern Japan, Wednesday after the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the country's Pacific coast. (Kyodo/via Reuters) Open image in new tab Cars jammed streets and highways in Honolulu as the tsunami alerts coincided with the Tuesday afternoon rush-hour. Warning sirens blared as people moved to higher ground. Hawaii schools cancelled after-school and evening activities, and tourists in evacuation zones were asked to contact their hotel if they can't get to an airport. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green earlier said Black Hawk helicopters were activated and high-water vehicles ready to go in case authorities needed to rescue people. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said on Facebook that small tsunami waves were expected along the coast. It urged people to stay away from beaches, harbours and marinas and to remain in a safe location away from the coast until the advisory is lifted. "This is not a major tsunami, but dangerous currents and strong waves may pose a risk to those near the water," the department said. Small tsunamis hit overnight Waves under 30 centimetres above tide levels were observed in the Alaskan communities of Amchitka and Adak, said Alaska's National Tsunami Warning Centre co-ordinator Dave Snider. Tsunami waves washed up to the shoreline on Japan's Hokkaido in the north and Ibaraki and Chiba, just east of Tokyo, in footage aired on Japan's NHK public television. A tsunami of 50 centimetres was also detected at the Ishinomaki port in northern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). That was the highest measurement so far among several locations around northern Japan. But higher waves were still arriving on Wednesday, said JMA earthquake and tsunami response official Shiji Kiyomoto. The Russian areas nearest the quake's epicentre on the Kamchatka Peninsula reported damage from the earthquake and evacuations from the tsunami, but no serious injuries. The first tsunami wave hit the coastal area of Severo-Kurilsk, the main settlement on Russia's Kuril Islands in the Pacific, according to the local governor, Valery Limarenko. He said residents were safe and staying on high ground until the threat of a repeat wave was gone. WATCH | Large waves reach coastline of Hokkaido in Japan: Media Video | See waves reaching Hokkaido, Japan, after Russian earthquake Caption: Large waves were seen Wednesday as they reached the coastline of Hokkaido in Japan following a powerful 8.8-magnitude quake in Russia. Open full embed in new tab Loading external pages may require significantly more data usage than loading CBC Lite story pages. 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. The quake at 8:25 a.m. Japan time on Wednesday had a preliminary magnitude of 8.0, Japan and U.S. seismologists said. The U.S. Geological Survey later updated its measurement to 8.8 magnitude and the USGS said the quake occurred at a depth of 20.7 kilometres. Earthquake causes damage in Russia The quake was about 119 kilometres away from the Russian city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the Kamchatka Peninsula, which has a population of 180,000. Russia's Tass news agency said people in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky ran out into the street without shoes or outerwear. Cabinets toppled inside homes, mirrors were broken, cars swayed in the street and balconies on buildings shook noticeably. Tass also reported power outages and mobile phone service failures, and quoted a local Russian official as saying residents on Sakhalin Island were being evacuated and emergency services were working at full capacity. The quake was the strongest to hit this area in the Kamchatka Peninsula since 1952, according to the local branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They said that while the situation "was under control" there are risks of aftershocks, which could last for up to a month and warned against visiting certain coastal areas. Earlier in July, five powerful quakes — the largest with a magnitude of 7.4 — struck in the sea near Kamchatka. There was also a 7.3-magnitude earthquake earlier this month on Alaska's southern coast. The most recent earthquake appeared to be the strongest anywhere in the world since the March 2011 earthquake off northeast Japan that was 9.0 magnitude and caused a massive tsunami that set off meltdowns at a nuclear power plant. Only a few stronger earthquakes have ever been measured around the world.
CBC
3 hours ago
- Climate
- CBC
B.C. coast remains under tsunami advisory after massive Russian earthquake
Residents have been urged to avoid shorelines and beaches after a tsunami advisory was issued for multiple parts of the B.C. coast following a large earthquake in the Pacific basin off of Russia. An advisory is the second step in a three-tiered warning system, and it means strong currents are likely.
Reuters
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Reuters
Tsunami warning for French Polynesia after Russia earthquake
PARIS, July 30 (Reuters) - Local authorities in French Polynesia have issued a tsunami warning for the Marquesas Islands archipelago, with waves of 1.10 to 2.20 metres expected to hit the islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The warnings follow a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. Residents were urged to move to higher ground and follow official instructions, including securing boats or moving them away from the shore. Other archipelagos in French Polynesia may be affected by waves less than 30 cm high, which do not require evacuation or sheltering, local authorities said. French Polynesia covers 4,200 sq km of the Pacific Ocean, roughly the area of continental Europe. It consists of 118 islands, grouped into five archipelagos.
Al Arabiya
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Al Arabiya
Tsunami warning for French Polynesia after Russia earthquake
Local authorities in French Polynesia have issued a tsunami warning for the Marquesas Islands archipelago, with waves of 1.10 to 2.20 meters expected to hit the islands of Ua Huka, Nuku Hiva, and Hiva Oa overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday. The warnings follow a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Russia's Far Eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. Residents were urged to move to higher ground and follow official instructions, including securing boats or moving them away from the shore. Other archipelagos in French Polynesia may be affected by waves less than 30 cm high, which do not require evacuation or sheltering, local authorities said. French Polynesia covers 4,200 sq km of the Pacific Ocean, roughly the area of continental Europe. It consists of 118 islands, grouped into five archipelagos.
Times of Oman
7 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Dhofar's beaches buzz with tourists during Khareef Season 2025
Muscat: Dhofar Governorate's beaches are witnessing a vibrant tourist movement during the Khareef season, due to the recreational, fishing, and natural exploration opportunities they offer. These opportunities cater to the needs of beachgoers and the open atmosphere, offering a pleasant time during the Khareef season and throughout the year. Al-Dahariz Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea with its soft white sand, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Salalah. It is a long, white sandy beach surrounded by tall, picturesque coconut trees. Families visit this beach for a relaxing time and various water activities. The beach, which extends over 3,500 square meters, offers numerous services, including restaurants, cafes, barbecue areas, and public facilities. The nearby Khor Al-Dahariz Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife, including various types of dense vegetation and a variety of fish. Migratory birds such as flamingos and ibises breed here. The seating areas at Al Dahariz Beach have been designed with a touristic appeal to families, with lighting for the walkways, public parking spaces, walkways, and seating areas, tailored to the surrounding landscape at night. Al Mughsail Beach is located approximately 40 kilometers west of Salalah city center and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dhofar Governorate, a favorite among citizens, residents, and tourists. It features a long stretch of blue sea and white sand, and boasts a range of enchanting natural landscapes and unique natural fountains. It is nestled between a mountain range, creating a distinctive natural backdrop. Given the wonderful weather during these Khareef days, Al Mughsail Beach welcomes visitors throughout the day to enjoy its beautiful tourist attractions and watch the roaring waves of the Arabian Sea, which reach their highest levels during the autumn season. Swimming is prohibited during this period, which extends from June 21 to September 21 of each year due to high sea waves. Aftalqut Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea, is distinguished by its elevated, flat plain above the hills. It is a raised green area extending approximately 3 kilometers. Visitors can view the beach, which embraces the rocks and green hills, from a high vantage point. It is one of the most popular spots for photographers and nature lovers. The beach in the Wilayat of Taqah extends over 5 kilometers and is characterized by its soft silver sand and the presence of coconut trees along the seafront. Khor Rori Beach is a natural extension of the city of Taqah and is distinguished by its strategic location near the archaeological site of the ancient city of Samharam, an important historical landmark in the Dhofar Governorate. This beach is located directly in the ancient port of Samharam, which was a former site for exporting Omani frankincense to various regions around the world. The natural resources of the Wilayat of Taqah are diverse. It is a coastal state containing beaches, plains, and mountains. It is also home to numerous caves, as well as Khor Taqah, Khor Rori, and numerous natural springs. In the eastern part of Dhofar Governorate, Mirbat is distinguished by its coastal location overlooking the Arabian Sea, its diverse beaches, coral reefs, and attractive bays. It ocated approximately 76 kilometers from Salalah, it is one of the governorate's most important historical and tourist destinations. Mirbat Beach is distinguished by its natural beauty, silver sands, coral rocks, and small bays, known locally as "Al-Khayas." These bays are rich in fish and coral reefs, making them one of the most prominent diving sites in the Sultanate of Oman. Mirbat witnesses a vibrant tourist movement throughout the year, especially during the autumn season and weekends. Visitors enjoy fishing, seek relaxation and natural beauty, visit historical sites and ancient neighborhoods, and admire the coral reefs and waves, thanks to the diversity of its rare marine resources. Among the most prominent rare marine fisheries in the Wilayat of Mirbat are the abalone and the sharkha. The abalone is found exclusively on the beaches between the Wilayat of Mirbat and the Niyabat of Sharbathat in the Wilayat of Shaleem, as well as the Al Hallaniyat Islands. Al Fazayeh Beach, the main Rakhyut Beach, Shuaib Beach, and Al Hawtah Beach in the Wilayat of Rakhyut are also among the most beautiful natural beaches, distinguished by their unique charm and captivating tranquility, especially during the autumn season, when the atmosphere is foggy and the scenery is breathtaking. They are also known for their soft white sand and clear waters.
