A magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck near the far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia on Thursday, prompting widespread tsunami warnings across the Pacific region. The earthquake was particularly damaging, striking at a shallow depth of less than 20 kilometers. This triggered immediate alarms over the risk of coastal flooding and more hazards.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) released a tsunami warning following the seismic eruption. America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) quickly followed suit with their own alert. NOAA issued a coastal flood warning with the potential for dangerous coastal flooding, including in the following areas… They asked people to stock up on emergency supplies and be ready to evacuate to higher ground.
At first, there was panic about the crisis. Much later, advisories were issued including clarifying that New Zealand’s coastal zone would likely only see strong, unusual currents—not damaging tsunami waves. In Japan, tsunami warnings were lowered from warnings in eastern Ibaraki Prefecture to advisories in southern Wakayama Prefecture. Waves of 60 centimeters were recorded but they traveled south along the Pacific coast from Hokkaido down as far as Tokyo Bay.
Impact and Responses
Authorities in Russia reported a number of minor injuries on that side of the strait after the quake, but no serious injuries were immediately reported. Even though it released a massive 7.6 magnitude energy, Russian state media assured that only minor damage was sustained in the remote far-eastern peninsula of Kamchatka.
The USGS forecast that Crescent City, California, on the California/Oregon border, could experience wave heights of 1.4 meters. Meanwhile, the Cook Islands Meteorological Service shared that the “main tsunami is currently passing through the Southern Cook Islands.”
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PIVS) claimed that “no significant sea level disturbances or destructive tsunami waves have been recorded since the earthquake,” indicating that immediate threats may have subsided.
“Any effects due to minor sea level disturbances have largely passed,” – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PIVS)
In Hawaii, state officials cancelled an evacuation order after downgrading the tsunami warning. They were still on guard for risks that could arise from changing sea levels.
Coastal Areas on High Alert
Warnings remained in effect for other coastal areas, as well as for American Samoa. Officials warned that sea level changes and powerful ocean currents might pose dangers on beaches, in bays, and offshore. Residents were encouraged to stay out of the water as long as the advisory was in effect.
Andrew Gissing, an expert on tsunami preparedness in Pacific island communities, made one important point. He lamented that larger cities tend to have more developed warning systems. Yet he underscored the difficulty in accessing faraway villages in times of emergency.
“Where the challenge comes in is when you’re working with more remote Pacific island areas; you might be in a major city and get a warning, but it’s more difficult to get that out to remote villages or more remote islands,” – Andrew Gissing
The NOAA reminded everyone to make sure their emergency kits were stocked—including water, non-perishable food, medications, and copies of vital records. They warned that residents living in low-lying areas must be ready to evacuate to higher ground if needed.
“Ensure your emergency supplies are ready, including water, food, medications, and important documents,” – America’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
International Monitoring and Safety
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported no safety impact for nuclear power plants along the Pacific coast following the earthquake. So this news was a welcome relief in the face of threats of worst-case disaster scenarios.
Local governments took action to close offices and banks in impacted areas as a precautionary matter. They continued to emphasize strong public safety messaging. The public safety communications team worked overtime to ensure accurate, constant messaging on the evolving situation.
“A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring,” – The US National Weather Service
