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NDTV
31-07-2025
- NDTV
Tsunami Warnings Begin To Ease Across Pacific. Here's What To Know
Honolulu: One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded sent a tsunami crashing into a Russian port and smaller waves barreling across the Pacific to the Americas and south to New Zealand. The danger had largely passed more than a day after the 8.8 magnitude quake, which was centered off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East. No major damage was reported and tsunami warnings were canceled in most areas. Chile, however, raised its warning to the highest level early Wednesday for most of its lengthy Pacific coast and started evacuating hundreds of people. Here's what to know: Tsunamis are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides. After an underwater earthquake, the shaking of the seafloor moves water. The energy from this transfers to waves. Many people think of tsunamis as one wave. But they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide. "Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour - as fast as a jet airplane - in deep water," said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. "But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up." It could take minutes for waves to hit land next to the site of a major quake. It could take hours for tsunamis to cross the Pacific Ocean. The speed of tsunami waves also depends on ocean depth. They travel faster over deep water and slow down in shallow water. People were urged to stay away from coastlines until any wave surges passed in places as far away as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. Some tsunamis are small and don't cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia caused waves that leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia. Some 230,000 people died. A 9.1 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japan's northeastern coast on March 11, 2011, killing about 20,000 people and triggering a nuclear meltdown. The 8.8-magnitude quake, which struck early Wednesday local time, was among the four strongest earthquakes this century, according to the USGS. It was also the sixth-biggest quake ever recorded, said Simon Boxall, a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center. The earthquake, which was followed by multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude, occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where more than 80% of the world's largest quakes occur. Several tectonic plates meet there. The ring gets its name from the volcanoes that surround it. While not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis, this one generated a series of them spreading outward from the epicenter off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. "It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash,'' Boxall said. "And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground.'' A tsunami height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) was recorded in Kamchatka, while tsunami waves about 2 to 5 feet (0.61 to 1.52 meters) high reached San Francisco early Wednesday, officials said. Other areas have seen smaller waves. The International Atomic Energy Agency said initial reports showed there had been no safety impact on nuclear power plants along Japan's Pacific coast. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicenter, and officials declared a state of emergency in several areas. Several people were injured, but none gravely, and no major damage has been reported. Additional aftershocks are possible. A tsunami advisory remained in effect for parts of the northern California coast. In Hawaii, emergency authorities blast alerts to people's cellphones, on TV and radio and sound a network of sirens. In Alaska, some communities have sirens, and information is available on weather radio or public radio broadcasts. In the US, the National Weather Service has different levels of alerts: A warning means a tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Evacuation is recommended and people should move to high ground or inland. An advisory means a tsunami with potential for strong currents or dangerous waves is expected or occurring and people should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. A watch means that a tsunami is possible and to be prepared. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Alerts, volcano and evacuation: Tsunami warnings lifted in most nations after 'strongest' earthquakes hit Russia; here's what to know
One of the most powerful earthquakes struck a Russian harbour, triggering a tsunami with subsequent waves reaching across the Pacific Ocean to the Americas and extending southward to New Zealand. By the following day, the threat had substantially diminished after the 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which originated near the coastline of Russia's Far East, specifically the Kamchatka Peninsula. The impact was minimal, with no significant destruction reported, leading to the withdrawal of tsunami alerts in most regions. Nevertheless, Chile escalated its warning to maximum level in the early hours of Wednesday along most of its extensive Pacific shoreline, initiating the relocation of hundreds of residents. What we know: Strongest earthquake The 8.8-magnitude earthquake, which occurred early Wednesday local time, ranks amongst the four most intense seismic events of this century, as confirmed by the USGS. According to Simon Boxall, who serves as a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center, this event stands as the sixth most powerful earthquake ever documented. The primary earthquake, followed by subsequent aftershocks reaching up to 6.9 magnitude, occurred within the Pacific Ring of Fire. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo This region, characterised by seismic faults encircling the Pacific Ocean, experiences over 80% of the world's major earthquakes due to the convergence of multiple tectonic plates. The presence of numerous volcanoes in this zone gives it its distinctive name. This seismic event triggered multiple tsunamis that spread from the epicentre near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, although not all earthquakes result in such oceanic disturbances. "It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash," Boxall said. "And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground. " Volcano eruption Kamchatka, known as the 'land of fire and ice,' is one of the world's most volcanically active regions, with 29 active volcanoes among its 300. Positioned near a tectonic trench, it frequently experiences earthquakes and tsunamis. The 1,200-km peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean, has a sparse population mostly centered in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Fishing dominates the economy, and a key Russian nuclear submarine base lies in Avacha Bay. The towering Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the Northern Hemisphere's largest active volcano, recently showed signs of eruption. Nearby, the Kuril Islands—claimed by both Russia and Japan—remain a geopolitical flashpoint and host military outposts and fishing communities. Tsunami in Russia, US and Japan Tsunami measurements showed heights of 3 to 4 metres in Kamchatka, while San Francisco experienced waves of 2 to 5 feet early Wednesday. Other locations reported lesser wave heights. Initial assessments from the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed no safety concerns at Japanese Pacific coast nuclear facilities. The Russian territories nearest to the epicentre reported some damage and implemented evacuations, with emergency declarations in multiple areas. Several minor injuries occurred, but no significant structural damage was noted. Further aftershocks remain possible, and northern California coastal areas continue under tsunami advisory. Tsunami alert Hawaiian emergency services utilise multiple communication channels, including mobile alerts, television, radio and siren networks. Alaskan communities rely on sirens and information via weather or public radio broadcasts. The US National Weather Service categorises alerts into three levels: — A warning indicates an expected or occurring tsunami capable of widespread flooding. People should evacuate to higher ground or move inland. — An advisory signals potential strong currents or hazardous waves, requiring people to avoid water activities and stay clear of beaches and waterways. — A watch indicates tsunami possibility and the need for preparedness.
Asahi Shimbun
31-07-2025
- Asahi Shimbun
Tsunami warnings fading after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Here's what to know
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) HONOLULU--One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded sent a tsunami crashing into a Russian port and smaller waves barreling across the Pacific to the Americas and south to New Zealand. The danger had largely passed more than a day after the 8.8 magnitude quake, which was centered off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East. No major damage was reported and tsunami warnings were canceled in most areas. Chile, however, raised its warning to the highest level early Wednesday for most of its lengthy Pacific coast and started evacuating hundreds of people. Here's what to know: Tsunamis are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides. After an underwater earthquake, the seafloor rises and drops, which lifts water up and down. The energy from this transfers to waves. Many people think of tsunamis as one wave. But they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide. 'Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour — as fast as a jet airplane — in deep water,' said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. 'But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up.' It could take minutes for waves to hit land next to the site of a major quake. It could take hours for tsunamis to cross the Pacific Ocean. The speed of tsunami waves also depends on ocean depth. They travel faster over deep water and slow down in shallow water. People were urged to stay away from coastlines until any wave surges passed in places as far away as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. Some tsunamis are small and don't cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia caused waves that leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia. Some 230,000 people died. A 9.1 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japan's northeastern coast on March 11, 2011, killing about 20,000 people and triggering a nuclear meltdown. The 8.8-magnitude quake, which struck early Wednesday local time, was among the four strongest earthquakes this century, according to the USGS. It was also the sixth-biggest quake ever recorded, said Simon Boxall, a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center. The earthquake, which was followed by multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude, occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where more than 80% of the world's largest quakes occur. Several tectonic plates meet there. The ring gets its name from the volcanoes that surround it. While not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis, this one generated a series of them spreading outward from the epicenter off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. 'It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash,' Boxall said. 'And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground.' A tsunami height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) was recorded in Kamchatka, while tsunami waves about 2 to 5 feet (0.61 to 1.52 meters) high reached San Francisco early Wednesday, officials said. Other areas have seen smaller waves. The International Atomic Energy Agency said initial reports showed there had been no safety impact on nuclear power plants along Japan's Pacific coast. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicenter, and officials declared a state of emergency in several areas. Several people were injured, but none gravely, and no major damage has been reported. Additional aftershocks are possible. A tsunami advisory remained in effect for parts of the northern California coast. In Hawaii, emergency authorities blast alerts to people's cellphones, on TV and radio and sound a network of sirens. In Alaska, some communities have sirens, and information is available on weather radio or public radio broadcasts. In the U.S., the National Weather Service has different levels of alerts: — A warning means a tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Evacuation is recommended and people should move to high ground or inland. — An advisory means a tsunami with potential for strong currents or dangerous waves is expected or occurring and people should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. — A watch means that a tsunami is possible and to be prepared.
The Hill
31-07-2025
- The Hill
Tsunami warnings fading after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Here's what to know
HONOLULU (AP) — One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded sent a tsunami crashing into a Russian port and smaller waves barreling across the Pacific to the Americas and south to New Zealand. The danger had largely passed more than a day after the 8.8 magnitude quake, which was centered off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East. No major damage was reported and tsunami warnings were canceled in most areas. Chile, however, raised its warning to the highest level early Wednesday for most of its lengthy Pacific coast and started evacuating hundreds of people. Here's what to know: What a tsunami is Tsunamis are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides. After an underwater earthquake, the seafloor rises and drops, which lifts water up and down. The energy from this transfers to waves. Many people think of tsunamis as one wave. But they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide. 'Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour — as fast as a jet airplane — in deep water,' said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. 'But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up.' It could take minutes for waves to hit land next to the site of a major quake. It could take hours for tsunamis to cross the Pacific Ocean. The speed of tsunami waves also depends on ocean depth. They travel faster over deep water and slow down in shallow water. People were urged to stay away from coastlines until any wave surges passed in places as far away as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. Some tsunamis are small and don't cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia caused waves that leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia. Some 230,000 people died. A 9.1 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japan's northeastern coast on March 11, 2011, killing about 20,000 people and triggering a nuclear meltdown. The power of this quake The 8.8-magnitude quake, which struck early Wednesday local time, was among the four strongest earthquakes this century, according to the USGS. It was also the sixth-biggest quake ever recorded, said Simon Boxall, a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center. The earthquake, which was followed by multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude, occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where more than 80% of the world's largest quakes occur. Several tectonic plates meet there. The ring gets its name from the volcanoes that surround it. While not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis, this one generated a series of them spreading outward from the epicenter off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. 'It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash,'' Boxall said. 'And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground.'' The effects of this earthquake so far A tsunami height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) was recorded in Kamchatka, while tsunami waves about 2 to 5 feet (0.61 to 1.52 meters) high reached San Francisco early Wednesday, officials said. Other areas have seen smaller waves. The International Atomic Energy Agency said initial reports showed there had been no safety impact on nuclear power plants along Japan's Pacific coast. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicenter, and officials declared a state of emergency in several areas. Several people were injured, but none gravely, and no major damage has been reported. Additional aftershocks are possible. A tsunami advisory remained in effect for parts of the northern California coast. How tsunami warnings are issued In Hawaii, emergency authorities blast alerts to people's cellphones, on TV and radio and sound a network of sirens. In Alaska, some communities have sirens, and information is available on weather radio or public radio broadcasts. In the U.S., the National Weather Service has different levels of alerts: — A warning means a tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Evacuation is recommended and people should move to high ground or inland. — An advisory means a tsunami with potential for strong currents or dangerous waves is expected or occurring and people should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. — A watch means that a tsunami is possible and to be prepared. This story has been corrected to show that the magnitude of the 2011 earthquake in Japan was 9.1, not 9.0.
Chicago Tribune
30-07-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Tsunami warnings fading after one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded. Here's what to know
HONOLULU — One of this century's most powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Russia and generated tsunami warnings and advisories for a broad section of the Pacific, including Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast and as far south as New Zealand. Now warnings are being downgraded in most areas, though advisories remain in place as more aftershocks are possible. The quake registered a magnitude of 8.8 and was centered off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It struck early Wednesday local time, which was still Tuesday in the U.S. Here's what to know: Tsunamis are waves triggered by earthquakes, underwater volcanic eruptions and submarine landslides. After an underwater earthquake, the seafloor rises and drops, which lifts water up and down. The energy from this transfers to waves. Many people think of tsunamis as one wave. But they are typically multiple waves that rush ashore like a fast-rising tide. Chile upgrades tsunami warning to highest level for much of its Pacific coast'Tsunamis cross the ocean at hundreds of miles an hour — as fast as a jet airplane — in deep water,' said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. 'But when they get close to the shore, they slow down and start to pile up.' It could take minutes for waves to hit land next to the site of a major quake. It could take hours for tsunamis to cross the Pacific Ocean. The speed of tsunami waves also depends on ocean depth. They travel faster over deep water and slow down in shallow water. People were urged to stay away from coastlines until any wave surges passed in places as far away as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. Some tsunamis are small and don't cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake off Indonesia caused waves that leveled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia. Some 230,000 people died. A 9.0 magnitude quake and tsunami ravaged parts of Japan's northeastern coast on March 11, 2011, killing about 20,000 people and triggering a nuclear meltdown. The 8.8-magnitude quake was among the four strongest earthquakes this century, according to the USGS. It was also the sixth-biggest quake ever recorded, said Simon Boxall, a principal teaching fellow at the University of Southampton's Physical Oceanography Research Center. The regional branch of Russia's Emergency Ministry on Kamchatka warned that scientists expect aftershocks at magnitudes of up to 7.5. The earthquake occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where more than 80% of the world's largest quakes occur. Several tectonic plates meet there. The ring gets its name from the volcanoes that surround it. While not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis, this one generated a series of them spreading outward from the epicenter off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula. 'It's a bit like throwing a very, very large rock into the sea and then watching the waves propagate away from that rock, that splash,'' Boxall said. 'And so that's what's happened in this case. And that's why this particular one has generated a tsunami. It's not huge. It's not one that's going to cause mass devastation. But it will cause coastal flooding and it will cause damage, and it does put lives at risk if people don't move to high ground.'' A tsunami height of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) was recorded in Kamchatka, while tsunami waves about 2 to 5 feet high reached San Francisco early Wednesday, officials said. Other areas have seen smaller waves. The International Atomic Energy Agency said initial reports showed there had been no safety impact on nuclear power plants along Japan's Pacific coast. Damage and evacuations were reported in the Russian regions nearest the quake's epicenter, and officials declared a state of emergency in several areas. Several people were injured, but none gravely, and no major damage has been reported. Additional aftershocks are possible, putting the entire Pacific Rim on tsunami watch. A tsunami warning remained in effect for parts of the northern California coast. Much of the Pacific coast of North America, spanning from British Columbia in Canada to down the U.S. West Coast and into Mexico was under a tsunami advisory. In Hawaii, emergency authorities blast alerts to people's cellphones, on TV and radio and sound a network of sirens. In Alaska, some communities have sirens, and information is available on weather radio or public radio broadcasts. In the U.S., the National Weather Service has different levels of alerts: — A warning means a tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Evacuation is recommended and people should move to high ground or inland. — An advisory means a tsunami with potential for strong currents or dangerous waves is expected or occurring and people should stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. — A watch means that a tsunami is possible and to be prepared.
