After an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck Eastern Russia, Japan has issued a tsunami evacuation order; plus, California, Hawaii, and Alaska are under tsunami watches and warnings.
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On Tuesday (July 29), an 8.8 magnitude earthquake was recorded off the coast of Russia near the Kamchatka Peninsula. The earthquake was initially reported as a magnitude 8.0, but the U.S. Geological Survey upgraded the earthquake to an 8.8.
It’s also reported by the USGS that at least five other earthquakes struck the coast of Kamchatka on Tuesday. They have all been strong with readings of magnitude 6.9, 6.3, 5.4, 5.7, and 5.6.
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California, Hawaii, And Alaska Issue Tsunami Watches And Warnings After 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Russia
Subsequently, Russia’s 8.8 quake, which struck just before 1:30 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST), resulted in the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issuing a tsunami alert for Hawaii, Alaska, and California. Officials are now watching for signs of a tsunami that may soon be developing.
While Hawaii and California’s coastlines were put on watch, parts of Alaska have been put on tsunami advisory. The alerts in Hawaii and California can be upgraded to advisories if officials have reason to believe that the waves which generate a potential tsunami grow more dangerous.
Furthermore, tsunami warnings are issued when tsunamis are confirmed as water begins to inundate or flood a coastline. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that if waves did hit Hawaii, the earliest a tsunami would arrive is around 7:17 p.m. HST, or 10:17 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST).
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In Japan, officials have issued evacuation warnings, spanning hundreds of miles. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said:
“Those near the coast should evacuate immediately to higher ground or safe buildings in the areas covered by the tsunami warning from Hokkaido to Wakayama Prefecture [hundreds of kilometres to the south]. Please be aware that after the initial wave, second and third waves of tsunamis can be even higher.”
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