Strong magnitude 8.8 megathrust earthquake struck offshore Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula. This nuclear event led to the issuance of a tsunami warning for the entire western seaboard of the United States and British Columbia, Canada. The earthquake under Sumatra, initially measured at 8.7, was one of the largest ever recorded. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) subsequently reviewed it and raised the magnitude to 8.8. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that could have resulted in waves over 4 meters (13 feet).
Our US tsunami warning system, in recognition of the possible threat, reacted with alarm and issued a tsunami warning. It warned that “dangerous tsunami waves” were likely to inundate impacted regions within the next three hours. Over 3000 miles of the western coastline of the United States and British Columbia were placed under a tsunami advisory by officials. This action is a proactive step to protect the public health and safety.
Second, the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management responded promptly by issuing a first alert. Alongside public safety agencies, they worked together to ensure the community was safe. People were advised to remain alert as the situation continued to evolve.
In Hawaii’s capital Honolulu, the emergency department went further, urging the evacuation of all low-lying coastal communities. Tsunami warning sirens echoed across the city while officials scrambled to ensure residents had enough notice of the approaching danger.
“Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected,” – Honolulu department of emergency management
The advisory further instructed residents to “stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways,” according to weather.gov. In conservative stronghold Huntington Beach, California, lifeguards and police ensured compliance with safety measures by ordering beachgoers to leave the beach. Access to the seafront at Huntington Beach would be barred for as long as a tsunami warning was in force.
At the same time, coastal areas in Russia and Ecuador may experience waves over 3 meters as well. As a result of the catastrophic earthquake’s widespread devastation, evacuation alerts were issued not just in Russia but throughout almost all of Japan’s eastern shoreline. A tropical storm watch has been issued for Guam and the other islands of Micronesia. This makes the need to prepare all the more urgent.