A tsunami alert has been triggered by Japan’s Meteorological Agency after waves reaching heights of 40 cm (1.3 ft) were observed at 16 coastal locations, spanning from Hokkaido to just northeast of Tokyo. Officials have warned that stronger waves could be on the way and are urging people along the coast to remain alert.
The warning zone now includes coastal areas from Alaska and Hawaii down to New Zealand. In the United States, the National Tsunami Warning Center in Alaska estimates wave heights between under one foot and up to five feet (around 30 cm to 1.5 m) for regions along Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and California. Experts note that the effects could continue for many hours, or possibly longer than a full day.
According to Dave Snider, Tsunami Warning Coordinator, tsunamis don’t arrive as a single wave but as a series of powerful surges that build strength as they decelerate and stack up near coastal landscapes.
In response, Hawaii has activated evacuation shelters at schools and local community centers. Honolulu officials have halted late night bus services and are advising residents in flood prone areas to move to safer, elevated ground. Fire Chief Sheldon Hao stressed the importance of evacuating early to avoid being trapped in dangerous situations.
Over in California, the San Francisco Bay Area branch of the National Weather Service made a firm appeal to the public: avoid the coastline and resist the urge to capture the waves on camera, as it poses risks to both individuals and first responders.
Waves measuring under 30 cm (less than one foot) are anticipated to reach Tofino in British Columbia by 11:30 p.m. local time, while Langara Island may experience impact around 10:05 p.m. Local authorities have been advised to clear beaches and marina areas as a safety measure, to prevent any form of disaster that may occur.
Meanwhile, on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, initial reports of damage and evacuations have already come in from communities closest to the earthquake’s epicenter, underscoring the intensity and serious consequences of the seismic disturbance.
