A powerful magnitude 8.7 earthquake that struck off the eastern coast of Russia on Tuesday has triggered a cascade of tsunami alerts across the Pacific Ocean, placing coastal communities from Japan to California on high alert. The U.S. West Coast is under a tsunami advisory, while more severe tsunami warnings have been issued for Hawaii and parts of Alaska.
The formidable earthquake occurred at 4:25 p.m. PST on Tuesday, approximately 78 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on Russia’s remote Kamchatka Peninsula, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning Center. The quake, which was followed by aftershocks as strong as magnitude 6.9, originated at a depth of about 46 miles (74 kilometers). The event is one of the most powerful seismic events recorded globally since the 2011 TÅhoku earthquake in Japan.
For the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington, an initial tsunami watch was upgraded to a tsunami advisory. Officials emphasized that an advisory is the middle tier of the alert system, signifying that a tsunami capable of producing strong, dangerous currents or waves is expected or occurring. “Areas in the advisory should not expect widespread inundation,” the County of Monterey stated. However, authorities have urged the public to stay away from beaches, harbors, and marinas. The National Weather Service for the Bay Area advised residents to “remain away from shore until local officials say that it is OK to return.”
According to the Los Angeles Times, the first waves, should they materialize, were projected to reach the California coast starting late Tuesday and into early Wednesday morning. Estimated arrival times included 11:55 p.m. for Crescent City, 12:15 a.m. for Monterey, 1:05 a.m. for the Los Angeles harbor, and 1:15 a.m. for La Jolla. While wave heights along the California coast were anticipated to be less than one foot, the primary danger lies in the powerful and unpredictable currents.
In contrast, a more serious tsunami warning was issued for the entire state of Hawaii and the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska. A warning indicates that a dangerous tsunami with the potential for significant coastal flooding is imminent or expected. In Hawaii, the state’s Emergency Operations Center was activated, and warning sirens were sounded across the islands. Officials urged residents in coastal evacuation zones to move to higher ground or to at least the fourth floor of a sturdy building. The first waves were forecast to arrive in Hawaii around 7:17 p.m. local time.
The earthquake’s impact was felt most immediately closer to its epicenter. Russian authorities reported that a tsunami wave of 3 to 4 meters (10 to 13 feet) was recorded in the Yelizovo District of Kamchatka. Japan also issued evacuation orders for its Pacific coast, warning that waves could reach up to 10 feet. A tsunami advisory was also in effect for the U.S. territory of Guam. Officials continue to monitor sea level data and have advised all affected populations to stay informed through official channels.
