On Tuesday, an earthquake of massive magnitude 8.8 hit the coast of Russia, causing warnings of Tsunami, and evacuations, in Hawaii and alerts over other areas of the west coast of the United States.
The earthquake occurred about 85 miles from the east coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia with a depth of almost 12 miles, according to the United States geological service. Was One of the most powerful earthquakes Once registered by the agency, which improved its magnitude of the initial reports of 8.0 and 8.7.
Replicas of magnitude 6.3 and 6.9 were also reported in the area, according to USGS.
In Hawaii, where a Tsunami warning was issued, the National Meteorological Service requested “urgent action” to protect lives and properties.
The officials urged residents to leave the beaches and evacuate low areas for higher land.
It is forecast that Tsunami’s first waves would arrive in Hawaii just after 7:15 pm local time, which is 1:15 am et. Tsunami destructive waves are expected, according to Oahu Emergency Management.
Residents of Honolulu were urged to evacuate the primary evacuation zone or go to the fourth floor of a building.
“Due to a massive earthquake that happened in the Pacific Ocean, a Tsunami warning is in force for those who live in Hawaii,” President Donald Trump published on social networks, urging people to “stay strong and stay safe.”
All coasts of the island are at risk because Tsunami waves wrap the islands, according to the National Meteorological Service.
An 8.7 magnitude earthquake causes Tsunami alerts along the west coast, Alaska and Hawaii.
NOAA
“The danger can continue for many hours after the initial wave as the posterior waves arrive. Tsunami heights cannot be predicted and the first wave may not be the largest,” said the NWS on an alert.
The sources told ABC News that the Hawaii emergency management agency has activated its emergency operations center. The officials have also proactively activated their joint information center and are meeting with the team of the governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, who will hold a press conference at 5 pm local time.
The sirens were activated in the Hawaii islands 10 minutes after each hour during the next three hours as part of a state warning system.
In an interview with the ABC Affiliate Honolulu Kitv, the mayor of Honolulu, Rick Blangiardi, urged residents to move to a higher land.
“We need people to remain calm, but also act accordingly. If you can reach a higher land if you are in a low area, do it.” He urged caution on roads in the midst of “bumper to bumper” traffic during evacuations.
In addition, a Tsunami warning for the Aleutian islands of Alaska was issued.
The coast of California, Oregon and Washington are under a tsunami warning, while the threat was being evaluated.
According to USGS, the territories of Guam and American Samoa of the United States are also under a Tsunami advisor.
A notice was also issued for the regions of the Pacific coast of Japan from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that a tsunami of approximately 1 meter (3 feet) is expected to arrive in Hokkaido in the north around 10:00 am, local time, with waves that arrive later in the day along parts of the east of Honshu and Kyushu in the south.
People are warned that they remain away from the coast and the mouths of the river and do not approach the water to observe.
Ecuador and Chile are also under Tsunami alerts, according to local officials.
A Tsunami warning means that a tsunami is expected that could cause generalized and dangerous floods and powerful currents. A tsunami clock means that there has been a distant earthquake and a tsunami is possible.
Bonnie McLean, William Gretsky, Anthony Trotter and Mireya Villarreal contributed to this report.
This is a development story. Consult the updates again.
