8.8-Magnitude Earthquake Triggers Tsunami Waves in Russia, Japan, and Alaska
A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East, generating tsunami waves that affected several countries around the Pacific Ocean. The Kamchatka Peninsula reported damage from the earthquake and evacuations from the tsunami, with waves reaching 3-4 meters (10-13 feet). Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
In Japan, frothy waves washed up to the shore in northern Japan, particularly on the island of Hokkaido, with waves reaching 60 centimeters (2 feet). A tsunami of 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) was detected at the Ishinomaki port. In Alaska, tsunami waves were observed in the Aleutian Islands, with wave heights up to 1.4 feet (under 30 centimeters) above tide levels.
Hawaii was also affected, with cars jamming streets and highways in Honolulu as people heeded the tsunami warning. Notably, waves from peak to trough of 6 feet (1.8 meters) were measured on Midway Atoll. Canada was also under threat, with a tsunami of less than 30 centimeters (under 1 foot) forecast to hit parts of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.
The Tsunami Warning Center emphasized that tsunamis are a series of powerful waves that can last for a long time, causing inundation problems near shore. Dave Snider, tsunami warning coordinator, highlighted the importance of caution. Over 900,000 residents in 133 municipalities along Japan’s Pacific coast were advised to move to higher ground, with warnings that the potential danger may last for more than a day. Standstill traffic was reported in areas away from the shoreline in Honolulu.
The earthquake, which occurred at a depth of 20.7 kilometers (13 miles), was the strongest to hit the Kamchatka Peninsula since 1952. Authorities warned of potential aftershocks lasting up to a month and advised against visiting certain coastal areas.
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