Latest news with #Snider
Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
The Latest: Tsunami warnings lifted in many places but Chile raises it to highest level
A tsunami sent waves into parts of Russia, Japan, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the Russian Far East early Wednesday. The quake was one of the biggest ever recorded. Several people were injured, but none gravely. No major damage has been reported. The danger appeared to be subsiding in some places. But Chile upgraded its warning to the highest level for most of its lengthy Pacific coast, and New Zealand has said tsunami activist has begun to reach its shores, about 6,000 miles (9,656 kilometers) from the quake's epicenter. Here's the latest: New Zealand says tsunami activity has begun Emergency management officials say coastlines of New Zealand are experiencing strong currents and wave surges as tsunami activity reaches shores. It's early morning Thursday in New Zealand. An alert broadcast to every cell phone says the threat is likely to remain in place until at least midday. Evacuations haven't been ordered. But people throughout the South Pacific island nation are warned to stay out of the water and away from beaches, shorelines, harbors, rivers and estuaries. New Zealand is about 6000 miles (9,656 kilometers) from the quake's epicenter. Officials warn that the first tsunami waves might not be the largest to arrive and people should treat the threat as real until the alert is canceled. Tsunami advisory is canceled for Oregon, Washington state The tsunami advisory is canceled for Oregon and Washington state. Experts say it's challenging to know exactly when all of the tsunami alerts and advisories will be dropped. 'It's kind of hard to predict because this is such an impactful event and has created so many of these waves passing by. It's hard to say exactly when they're going to be done,' said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator for the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. Snider said tsunami advisories are still in effect for Hawaii, parts of Alaska and parts of California. In Alaska, 'we didn't feel a thing' A spokesperson for Alaska's state emergency management agency, Jeremy Zidek, says in a text that no damage has been reported. The community of Adak recorded the largest tsunami wave in Alaska at 2.7 feet, or less than a meter. 'I think what really surprised us, given the magnitude of that earthquake on Kamchatka, is that we didn't feel a thing,' Adak City Manager Breck Craig said. 'The bad thing is, that it might be our turn next.' Colombia orders evacuation of beaches Officials in Colombia have ordered the complete closure and evacuation of beaches and low-tide areas along the country's Pacific coast. Maritime traffic is also being restricted. Officials say strong currents and tsunami waves were possible in two coastal states, including one that borders Ecuador. Threat to US 'has passed completely' U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said the threat of a major tsunami hitting the United States 'has passed completely.' Noem, speaking in Chile where she is attending meetings with officials, told reporters in the capital, Santiago: 'We're in really good shape right now. 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.' Chile raises tsunami warning to highest level Chile has upgraded its tsunami warning to its highest level. The red alert covers most of its 6,400-kilometer (4,000-mile) Pacific coastline, from Arica and Parinacota near its northern border to Magallanes in the far south. The Education Ministry also canceled classes along much of the coast. Explosions and lava flows on Russian volcano Lava has begun to flow from the largest active volcano in the northern hemisphere Wednesday following the earthquake off Russia's far eastern coast. The Klyuchevskaya Sopka — which last erupted in 2023 — stands at 4,750 meters (15,584 feet) in the east of Russia's Kamchatka region. Observers heard explosions and saw streams of lava on the volcano's western slopes, the Kamchatka branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences' geophysical service said. Scientists have anticipated an eruption, with the volcano's crater filling with lava for several weeks and the mountain spitting out plumes of ash. Sometimes described as the 'land of fire and ice,' Kamchatka is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. It has about 300 volcanoes, of which 29 are active, according to NASA Earth Observatory. California city urges people to stay away from beaches Officials warned people to stay away from beaches and waterways in Crescent City, California, which has observed dozens of tsunamis since the 1930s, including one that killed 11 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings in the city in 1964. The warning came after a 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia's Far East coast on Wednesday. The U.S. National Weather Service's Eureka office reported tsunami waves with a maximum height of 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) in Crescent City — enough to create minor coastal flooding and inundation. The 1964 event, considered the worst tsunami disaster recorded in the United States, began with a 9.2 magnitude earthquake in Alaska, according to the Crescent City website. Three smaller waves caused little damage, but then a big wave — nearly 21 feet (more than 6 meters) — devastated 29 city blocks and killed 11. The city's downtown was mostly rebuilt and today a walking tour highlights high-water marks posted on surviving buildings, objects pushed by waves and memorials to those who died. Japan downgrades last tsunami alert Japan has downgraded its last remaining tsunami alert, which was in the country's north. Tsunami advisories remain in place for its Pacific coast following the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off Russia's Far East on Wednesday. Russian authorities cancel tsunami warnings for 2 regions Russian authorities on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands have canceled their tsunami warnings but say the risk of aftershocks and waves remains. The regional branch of Russia's Emergency Ministry on Kamchatka warned that scientists expect aftershocks at magnitudes of up to 7.5. It said that more tsunamis are possible in the Avacha Bay where the regional capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is located. Russia says regional authorities were prepared The Kremlin said that regional authorities on Kamchatka were well prepared for the quake. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the warnings were issued timely and people were quickly evacuated from dangerous areas. He added that the buildings proved resilient to shocks. Tsunami-driven tides build in northern California Tsunami activity continued to build in northern California as high tide approached Wednesday morning with maximum confirmed heights along the coast of 3.6 feet (1.1 meters) in Crescent City, 3.0 feet (.9 meters) in Arena Cove and 1.2 feet (.4 meters) in Humboldt Bay, according to the National Weather Service office in Eureka. The measurements in Crescent City and Arena Cove were high enough to create minor coastal flooding and inundation, the weather service said on social media, adding that tsunami activity will persist and people should avoid beaches and harbors. Crescent City officials warned on social media that higher surges could arrive around high tide and could affect lower lying areas. They asked people to stay away from beaches and waterways. Hawaii and parts of Japan downgrade tsunami warnings Hawaii and parts of Japan downgraded tsunami warnings, with Hawaii lifting evacuation orders across the state while leaving a tsunami advisory in place. Officials in Hawaii said residents who had evacuated could return to their homes. Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, the Adjutant General of the State of Hawaii Department of Defense, said an advisory means there is the potential for strong currents and dangerous waves, as well as flooding on beaches or in harbors. Russia declares state of emergency in areas hit by earthquake The Russian authorities declared a state of emergency on the Kuril Islands and in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the main city on the Kamchatka peninsula. They earlier reported that several tsunami waves flooded the fishing port of Severo-Kurilsk, the main city on the islands, and cut power supplies to the area. Russia's Oceanography Institute said tsunami waves that hit the city topped 6 meters (19 feet). Japan asserts territorial rights to the four Pacific islands it calls the Northern Territories. They were taken by the Soviet Union in the final days of World War II, and the dispute has kept the countries from signing a peace treaty. 8.8-magnitude quake was among the strongest this century Wednesday's 8.8-magnitude quake was among the four strongest earthquakes this century, and among the eight strongest since 1900, according to the USGS. The earthquake occurred along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the ring of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world's earthquakes occur. The 2011 Japan quake and the 2004 earthquake off Indonesia were 9.1 magnitude, and a 2010 earthquake in Chile also was recorded at 8.8 magnitude. Japanese official warns evacuees they might not be able to return home by day's end Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told evacuees in the tsunami-affected areas that they might not be able to return home by the end of the day on Wednesday. Hayashi said waves could remain high for at least one day, and he urged evacuees to take precautions and stay well hydrated in the summer heat. Damage and minor injuries reported in Russian Far East Local authorities on Russia's Kamchatka peninsula said several people were injured during the massive quake, but didn't give an exact number. Oleg Melnikov, head of the regional health department, said a few people hurt themselves while rushing to leave buildings and a hospital patient received an injury while jumping out of a window. Melnikov said that all injured people were in satisfactory condition. A video released by Russian media outlet showed a team of doctors at a cancer clinic on Kamchatka holding a patient and clutching medical equipment as the quake rocked an operating room, before continuing with surgery after the shaking stopped. Officials said the doctors will receive decorations. In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Kamchatka's regional capital, the quake damaged a local kindergarten, which was not in operation due to ongoing repair work. Water recedes at Hawaii beaches as tsunami reaches Oahu Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said officials observed water receding by 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) at Haleiwa Harbor on Oahu, the state's most populous island, an indication tsunami waves will arrive. The waves pulling out left boats to lay on dry rock and sand. 'That gave us pause,' Green said. So far no damage has been recorded, but it will take two to three hours of observation before authorities will be able to determine whether the event has passed, Green said. Pacific island nations urge people to avoid coastlines Authorities in a number of small island nations in the South Pacific Ocean urged people to stay away from coastlines, familiarize themselves with evacuation routes and await further guidance from officials, but did not order evacuations. Some tiny and low-lying Pacific island chains are among the world's most imperiled by tsunamis and rising seas. Cautions to stay away from beaches until any wave surges passed late Wednesday were issued by officials in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia and Solomon Islands. Nearly 2 million people under evacuation advisories in Japan Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said nearly 2 million residents are now under evacuation advisories in more than 220 municipalities along the Pacific coast as of midday Wednesday. It added that one person was slightly injured on the northern island of Hokkaido when a woman in her 60s fell while rushing to evacuate. She was taken to a hospital. Governor says Hawaii is ready for evacuations Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll, which is part of the way between Japan and Hawaii, measured tsunami waves from peak to trough of 6 feet (1.8 meters). He said waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it was too early to tell how large they would be. A tsunami of that size would be akin to a three foot (90 centimeter) wave riding on top of surf, he said. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll, which is part of the way between Japan and Hawaii, measured tsunami waves from peak to trough of 6 feet (1.8 meters). He said waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it was too early to tell how large they would be. A tsunami of that size would be akin to a three foot (90 centimeter) wave riding on top of surf, he said. He told a new conference that a wave that size could move cars and throw fences around. 'It can dislodge trees, that's why you can't just be out there. The impact is at great speed,' Green said. 'Any any structure that gets loose and strikes the individual could take them out. And people can drown quite easily with the force of that kind of wave.' Green said Black Hawk helicopters have been activated and high-water vehicles were ready to go in case authorities need to rescue people. 'But please do not put yourself in harm's way,' he said. Tsunami sirens sound in remote California city The small Northern California community of Crescent City turned on its tsunami sirens to warn residents about possible waves. 'You are hearing a Tsunami Siren. We are under a Tsunami Warning. Please stay away from beaches and waterways. A predicted wave may hit at 11:55 pm. We are waiting on additional information about any level of evacuation,' read a post from the City Hall Facebook account. The city in rural Northern California has roughly 6,000 residents. A tsunami in 1964 caused by an earthquake in Alaska caused a wave 21 feet (6.4 meters) high to hit the city, killing 11 people and destroying its downtown. Lines form at Honolulu gas stations There were long lines at gas stations near downtown Honolulu, with standstill traffic even in areas away from the shoreline. A Texaco gas station in the Nuuanu-Punchbowl neighborhood closed early so that workers could go home. The workers set out cones at pumps and turned away motorists. Jimmy Markowski, on a family vacation from Hot Springs, Arkansas, ended up at the closed Texaco station after fleeing their Waikiki beach resort in a caravan of three cars carrying 15 people. 'All we're trying to do is just figure out what we're going to do for the next three or four hours,' he said. 'We've got water, we got some snacks ... we're going to stay elevated. This is our first tsunami warning ever. So this is all new to us.'
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Russia lifts Tsunami warning 11 hours after massive 8.8 quake hit off its eastern coast
A tsunami in 1964 caused by an earthquake in Alaska caused a wave 21 feet (6.4 meters) high to hit the city, killing 11 people and destroying its downtown. Tsunami warning issued for parts of China China's Ministry of Natural Resources' Tsunami Warning Center has issued an alert for parts of the country's east coast along Shanghai and Zhejiang provinces. The warning forecasts that waves could reach between 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet). Shanghai and Zhejiang are already under alert as Typhoon CoMay is expected to land in the Zhejiang province Wednesday. 'A series of powerful waves' Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, said Tuesday evening he had not heard of any specific reports of damage from the tsunami generated by the 8.8-magnitued earthquake. Forecasted maximum tsunami heights ranged from less than 1 foot to about 5 feet (less than 30 centimeters to 1.5 meters) across parts of Alaska, Oregon, Washington and California, with higher levels projected in isolated areas. The center said some places could still be feeling impacts from the tsunami for hours or perhaps more than a day. "A tsunami is not just one wave," Snider 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." US National Weather Service warns people against going to the coast to look for tsunami waves "This will NOT be a single wave. Do NOT try to go to the coast to take photos," the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area office posted on X. The agency warned people could put themselves and any rescue teams that may be out at risk. The Bay Area is under a tsunami advisory. Communities further north are under a warning. Tsunami forecast to hit parts of Vancouver Island, British Columbia The province's emergency preparedness agency said waves of less than 30 centimeters (less than 1 foot) were expected to reach Tofino around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday local time. A tsunami advisory spans much of British Columbia's coast and the agency said "multiple waves over time" were expected. The waves are expected to first reach remote Langara Island around 10:05 p.m. The agency said local governments should consider evacuating marinas, beaches and other areas near the ocean. Mexico's Navy warns Pacific coast to anticipate tsunami waves Mexico's Navy says waves between 30 to 100 centimeters (1 to 3.3 feet) are expected on the Mexican Pacific coast after the tsunami set off by the 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia's Far East. In a report, the Navy's tsunami warning center said the waves will begin to reach the northern coast in Ensenada, near California, at around 2:22 a.m. Wednesday central time in Mexico, and it will continue south along the Pacific coast until it reaches the Chiapas states around 7:15 a.m. local time. The Pacific coast remains under a tsunami advisory, and the Navy recommended people stay away from the beaches until it suspends an alert. Connections restored in Russian peninsula hit hard by the earthquake Internet and phone connections have been restored in Kamchatka following the massive earthquake, according to the Russian news agency Tass. Videos posted on social media showed the façade of a collapsed kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. No casualties were reported. A port in Severo-Kurilsk, on the Kuril Islands in the Pacific, was flooded after a tsunami wave hit the area. Russian news agencies quoting the regional Health Ministry said several people sought medical help in Kamchatka after the earthquake, but no serious injuries were reported. Tsunami alert in Japan complicates transportation Ferries connecting Hokkaido and Aomori on the northern tip of Japan's Honshu island were suspended, as well as those connecting Tokyo and nearby islands. Some local train operations have been suspended or delayed as well, according to operators. Sendai airport says its runway has been temporarily closed. Tsunami waves detected at multiple points on Japan's Pacific coast Japan Meteorological Agency says a tsunami as high as 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) has been detected at 16 locations as the waves have moved south along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido down to just northeast of Tokyo. Officials urge residents to use caution as bigger waves could come later. New Zealand warns of 'strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges' along its coastlines New Zealand authorities issued warnings of "strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges" along all coastlines of the South Pacific island nation. Waves were not expected to arrive until late Wednesday night local time, officials said. The alert sent to New Zealanders' phones by the government emergency management agency said people should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbors, marinas, rivers and estuaries, but officials stopped short of issuing evacuation warnings. Japanese nuclear power plants stop work Japanese nuclear power plants along the Pacific coasts have suspended their work schedule in response to the tsunami alert, but so far no abnormalities have been reported. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, said about 4,000 workers are taking shelter at higher grounds on the plant complex while monitoring remotely to ensure plant safety. Its release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea is also temporarily suspended as a cautionary step. Russian scientists call the earthquake a 'unique event' The 8.8-magnitude earthquake was the strongest to hit that area in Kamchatka since 1952, according to the local branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In a statement posted on their Telegram channel, they called the earthquake a "unique event." They said the epicenter was near a recent earthquake that struck the peninsula on July 20. While the situation "was under control," they said there are risks of aftershocks, which could last for up to a month, and warned against visiting certain coastal areas. Oregon officials say small tsunami expected to reach the state's coastline The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said on Facebook that small tsunami waves were expected to reach parts of the state's coastline starting around 11:40 p.m. local time, with wave heights between 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters). It urged people to stay away from beaches, harbors 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. Oregon is under a tsunami advisory, along with much of the U.S. West Coast spanning British Columbia, Washington state and California. The Philippines warns residents of possible tsunami waves Philippine authorities warned provinces and towns along the archipelago's eastern coast facing the Pacific of possible tsunami waves of less than 1 meter (3 feet) that could hit between 1:20 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (local time) and advised people to stay away from the beach and coastal areas. "It may not be the largest of waves, but these can continue for hours and expose people swimming in the waters to danger," Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology told The Associated Press. First waves hit Hokkaido in Japan and Russia's Kuril Islands The Japan Meteorological Agency said a first tsunami wave of about 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) reached Nemuro on the eastern coast of Hokkaido. 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.
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Hawaii, parts of Japan downgrade Tsunami warnings to advisories after massive 8.8 quake hits off Russian coast
A tsunami in 1964 caused by an earthquake in Alaska caused a wave 21 feet (6.4 meters) high to hit the city, killing 11 people and destroying its downtown. Tsunami warning issued for parts of China China's Ministry of Natural Resources' Tsunami Warning Center has issued an alert for parts of the country's east coast along Shanghai and Zhejiang provinces. The warning forecasts that waves could reach between 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet). Shanghai and Zhejiang are already under alert as Typhoon CoMay is expected to land in the Zhejiang province Wednesday. 'A series of powerful waves' Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, said Tuesday evening he had not heard of any specific reports of damage from the tsunami generated by the 8.8-magnitued earthquake. Forecasted maximum tsunami heights ranged from less than 1 foot to about 5 feet (less than 30 centimeters to 1.5 meters) across parts of Alaska, Oregon, Washington and California, with higher levels projected in isolated areas. The center said some places could still be feeling impacts from the tsunami for hours or perhaps more than a day. "A tsunami is not just one wave," Snider 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." US National Weather Service warns people against going to the coast to look for tsunami waves "This will NOT be a single wave. Do NOT try to go to the coast to take photos," the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area office posted on X. The agency warned people could put themselves and any rescue teams that may be out at risk. The Bay Area is under a tsunami advisory. Communities further north are under a warning. Tsunami forecast to hit parts of Vancouver Island, British Columbia The province's emergency preparedness agency said waves of less than 30 centimeters (less than 1 foot) were expected to reach Tofino around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday local time. A tsunami advisory spans much of British Columbia's coast and the agency said "multiple waves over time" were expected. The waves are expected to first reach remote Langara Island around 10:05 p.m. The agency said local governments should consider evacuating marinas, beaches and other areas near the ocean. Mexico's Navy warns Pacific coast to anticipate tsunami waves Mexico's Navy says waves between 30 to 100 centimeters (1 to 3.3 feet) are expected on the Mexican Pacific coast after the tsunami set off by the 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia's Far East. In a report, the Navy's tsunami warning center said the waves will begin to reach the northern coast in Ensenada, near California, at around 2:22 a.m. Wednesday central time in Mexico, and it will continue south along the Pacific coast until it reaches the Chiapas states around 7:15 a.m. local time. The Pacific coast remains under a tsunami advisory, and the Navy recommended people stay away from the beaches until it suspends an alert. Connections restored in Russian peninsula hit hard by the earthquake Internet and phone connections have been restored in Kamchatka following the massive earthquake, according to the Russian news agency Tass. Videos posted on social media showed the façade of a collapsed kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. No casualties were reported. A port in Severo-Kurilsk, on the Kuril Islands in the Pacific, was flooded after a tsunami wave hit the area. Russian news agencies quoting the regional Health Ministry said several people sought medical help in Kamchatka after the earthquake, but no serious injuries were reported. Tsunami alert in Japan complicates transportation Ferries connecting Hokkaido and Aomori on the northern tip of Japan's Honshu island were suspended, as well as those connecting Tokyo and nearby islands. Some local train operations have been suspended or delayed as well, according to operators. Sendai airport says its runway has been temporarily closed. Tsunami waves detected at multiple points on Japan's Pacific coast Japan Meteorological Agency says a tsunami as high as 40 centimeters (1.3 feet) has been detected at 16 locations as the waves have moved south along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido down to just northeast of Tokyo. Officials urge residents to use caution as bigger waves could come later. New Zealand warns of 'strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges' along its coastlines New Zealand authorities issued warnings of "strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges" along all coastlines of the South Pacific island nation. Waves were not expected to arrive until late Wednesday night local time, officials said. The alert sent to New Zealanders' phones by the government emergency management agency said people should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbors, marinas, rivers and estuaries, but officials stopped short of issuing evacuation warnings. Japanese nuclear power plants stop work Japanese nuclear power plants along the Pacific coasts have suspended their work schedule in response to the tsunami alert, but so far no abnormalities have been reported. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, said about 4,000 workers are taking shelter at higher grounds on the plant complex while monitoring remotely to ensure plant safety. Its release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea is also temporarily suspended as a cautionary step. Russian scientists call the earthquake a 'unique event' The 8.8-magnitude earthquake was the strongest to hit that area in Kamchatka since 1952, according to the local branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In a statement posted on their Telegram channel, they called the earthquake a "unique event." They said the epicenter was near a recent earthquake that struck the peninsula on July 20. While the situation "was under control," they said there are risks of aftershocks, which could last for up to a month, and warned against visiting certain coastal areas. Oregon officials say small tsunami expected to reach the state's coastline The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said on Facebook that small tsunami waves were expected to reach parts of the state's coastline starting around 11:40 p.m. local time, with wave heights between 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters). It urged people to stay away from beaches, harbors 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. Oregon is under a tsunami advisory, along with much of the U.S. West Coast spanning British Columbia, Washington state and California. The Philippines warns residents of possible tsunami waves Philippine authorities warned provinces and towns along the archipelago's eastern coast facing the Pacific of possible tsunami waves of less than 1 meter (3 feet) that could hit between 1:20 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. (local time) and advised people to stay away from the beach and coastal areas. "It may not be the largest of waves, but these can continue for hours and expose people swimming in the waters to danger," Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology told The Associated Press. First waves hit Hokkaido in Japan and Russia's Kuril Islands The Japan Meteorological Agency said a first tsunami wave of about 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) reached Nemuro on the eastern coast of Hokkaido. 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.
Hamilton Spectator
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
8.8-magnitude earthquake sends small tsunami into coasts of Russia, Japan and Alaska
TOKYO (AP) — One of the world's strongest earthquakes struck Russia's Far East early Wednesday, an 8.8-magnitude temblor that caused tsunami waves in Japan and Alaska and prompted warnings for Hawaii, North and Central America and Pacific islands south toward New Zealand. Ports on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia near the quake's epicenter flooded as residents fled inland. Cars jammed streets and highways in Honolulu hours before tsunami waves were expected, with standstill traffic even in areas away from the shoreline. People were advised to move to higher ground around much of the Pacific coast and warned that the potential tsunami danger may last for more than a day. Most places where tsunami waves have already washed ashore have reported no significant damage so far. Waves less than a foot (under 30 centimeters) above tide levels were observed in the Alaskan communities of Amchitka and Adak, said Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska. White waves washed up to the shoreline on Japan's Hokkaido in the north and Ibaraki and Chiba, just northeast of Tokyo, in footage aired on Japan's NHK public television. A tsunami of 60 centimeters (2 feet) was recorded at Hamanaka town in Hokkaido and Kuji port in Iwate, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Several areas reported smaller waves including 20 centimeters (8 inches) in Tokyo Bay five hours after the quake. Hawaii and Oregon warn residents of potential damage The impact of the tsunami could last for hours — such as in Adak, a community of about 70 people in Alaska's Aleutian Islands — or perhaps more than a day, Snider said. '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.' 'In this case, because of the Earth basically sending out these huge ripples of water across the ocean, they're going to be moving back and forth for quite a while,' which is why some communities may feel effects longer, he said. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said data from Midway Atoll, which is between Japan and Hawaii, measured waves from peak to trough of 6 feet (1.8 meters). He said waves hitting Hawaii could be bigger or smaller and it was too early to tell how large they would be. A tsunami of that size would be akin to a 3 foot (90 centimeter) wave riding on top of surf, he said. 'This is a longitudinal wave with great force driving through the shoreline and into land,' he said at a news conference. Green said Black Hawk helicopters have been activated and high-water vehicles were ready to go in case authorities need to rescue people. 'But please do not put yourself in harm's way,' he said. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said on Facebook that small tsunami waves were expected along the coast starting around 11:40 p.m. local time, with wave heights between 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters). It urged people to stay away from beaches, harbors 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. Much of the West Coast spanning Canada's British Columbia province, Washington state and California were also under a tsunami advisory. A tsunami of less than 30 centimeters (under 1 foot) was forecast to hit parts of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The province's emergency preparedness agency said waves were expected to reach remote Langara Island around 10:05 p.m. Tuesday and Tofino around 11:30 p.m. The agency said 'multiple waves over time' were expected. Russian regions report quake damage The quake at 8:25 a.m. Japan time 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 kilometers (13 miles). The quake was centered about 119 kilometers (74 miles) east-southeast from the Russian city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which has a population of 180,000, on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude followed. 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. The quake caused damage to buildings and cars swayed in the streets in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, which also had power outages and mobile phone service failures. Russian news agencies quoting the regional Health Ministry saying several people sought medical help in Kamchatka after the earthquake, but no serious injuries were reported. Among the world's strongest recorded quakes The earthquake appeared to be the strongest anywhere in the world since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake off northeastern Japan in March 2011 that 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. The tsunami alert disrupted transportation in Japan. Ferries connecting Hokkaido and Aomori on the northern tip of Japan's Honshu island were suspended, as well as those connecting Tokyo and nearby islands, and some local train operations were suspended or delayed, according to operators. Sendai airport temporarily closed its runway. In Japan's northern coastal town of Matsushima, dozens of residents took refuge at an evacuation center, where water bottles were distributed and an air conditioner was running. One person told NHK she came to the facility without hesitation based on the lesson from the 2011 tsunami. Japanese nuclear power plants reported no abnormalities. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which operates the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, said about 4,000 workers are taking shelter on higher ground at the plant complex while monitoring remotely to ensure plant safety. Philippine authorities warned provinces and towns along the eastern coast facing the Pacific of possible tsunami waves of less than 1 meter (3 feet) and advised people to stay away from the beach and coastal areas. 'It may not be the largest of waves, but these can continue for hours and expose people swimming in the waters to danger,' Teresito Bacolcol of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology told The Associated Press. Mexico's navy warned that tsunami waves will start reaching the northern coast in Ensenada, near California, at around 02:22 a.m. Wednesday local time, and waves could progress along the Pacific coast to Chiapas state, around 07:15 a.m. local time. The navy recommended people stay away from beaches until it suspended the alert. New Zealand authorities warned of 'strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges' along all coastlines of the South Pacific island nation. The emergency management agency said people should move out of the water, off beaches and away from harbors, marinas, rivers and estuaries. The waves would start arriving late Wednesday local time. The quake was the strongest to hit this area on the Kamchatka Peninsula since 1952, according to the local branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The 9.0 quake on Nov. 4, 1952, in Kamchatka caused damage but no reported deaths despite setting off 9.1-meter (30-foot) waves in Hawaii. They said that while the situation 'was under control' there was a risk 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. The largest quake was at a depth of 20 kilometers and was 144 kilometers (89 miles) east of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. ___ This story has corrected the wave height forecast in Oregon to between 1 and 2 feet, not 1 and 3 feet. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Hindu
30-07-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Earthquake off Russia set off tsunami warnings. Here's what to know
A powerful earthquake that struck off the coast of Russia generated tsunami warnings and advisories for a broad section of the Pacific, including Alaska, Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Follow the LIVE updates on the tsunami The quake registered a magnitude of 8.8 and was centred off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the US Geological Survey. The temblor struck early Wednesday local time, which was still Tuesday in the U.S. Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator with the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska, called the earthquake 'absolutely notable' and 'a significant earth event.' Here's what to know about tsunamis and their warnings: What is a tsunami? 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 pushes the sea water that 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," Mr. Snider said. "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.' Some tsunamis are small and don't cause damage. Others can cause massive destruction. In 2004, a 9.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia, causing waves that levelled remote villages, ports and tourist resorts along the Indian Ocean across Southeast and South Asia. Some 230,000 people died. How do people find out if there's a tsunami warning? 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 also available on weather radio or public radio broadcasts. Official accounts on social media and cellphone push alerts spread the word. In some places, local officials have relayed warnings door to door. Earlier this month, after another earthquake off Alaska's Aleutian Islands, public safety departments in King Cove and Unalaska sent alerts urging those in coastal areas or those that could see inundation to seek higher ground. What should I do if I get a tsunami alert? Authorities urge people to move to higher ground when they have indications a tsunami will arrive. In Hawaii, the state's emergency management agency directs people to check maps and to evacuate if they are in a tsunami hazard zone. It also tells people to stay at least 100 feet (30 meters) away from inland waterways and marinas connected to the ocean due to the possibility of wave surges and flooding. Some communities have buildings designated on higher ground as meetup points during tsunami warnings, such as a school, while others might simply urge residents to retreat up a hillside. For those in an evacuation zone, experts recommend you take your 'go bag' and evacuate outside the tsunami zone or evacuate vertically to at least the fourth floor of any building at least 10 stories tall. 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. How long does it take for tsunamis to arrive? It depends on how far the epicentre of the earthquake is from a coastal area. It could take just 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. What effects have been noticed so far? Waves less than a foot above tide levels were observed in the Alaskan communities of Amchitka and Adak, Mr. Snider said. 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 detected at the Ishinomaki port in northern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The National Tsunami Warning Centre in Alaska said some places could still be feeling impacts from the tsunami for hours — such as in Adak, a community of about 70 people in the Aleutian Islands — or perhaps more than a day. A tsunami warning was issued for Hawaii, with the first waves expected to arrive after 7 p.m. local time. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu said the tsunami could cause damage along the coastlines of all the Hawaiian islands. 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. Waves up to 5.7 feet were also possible in Northern California's Crescent City, which was under a tsunami warning and turned on its warning sirens. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management said on Facebook that small waves were expected to reach parts of the state's coastline starting around 11:40 p.m. local time, with wave heights between 1 to 3 feet. It urged people to stay away from beaches, harbors and marinas and to remain in a safe location away from the coast until the advisory was 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. Mexico's navy warned that waves between 1 to 3.3 feet were possible on its coast.
