(Image source from: AFP)
One of the strongest earthquakes in the world since 2011 hit the Far East region of Russia early Wednesday. The earthquake had a magnitude of 8.8 and shook the Kamchatka Peninsula, causing tsunami warnings across the northern Pacific. This quake, which is the most powerful in that area since 1952, was followed by strong aftershocks. Scientists have cautioned that more tremors, potentially reaching magnitude 7.5, could occur in the upcoming weeks. A tsunami wave impacted North Kurilsk, causing flooding in parts of the town and a local fishing area. Evacuations took place in Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands, and sections of Japan, while tsunami alarms were sounded as far away as Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, a tsunami wave of 1.3 meters, or 4.3 feet, was observed at Kuji Port in Japan's Iwate prefecture, and the waves are still rising.
Officials in Hawaii have not seen any large tsunami waves since starting preparations for a possible tsunami after the strong earthquake near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, said Governor Josh Green on Tuesday night. Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency announced that all commercial ports were shut down and flights to and from Maui were canceled, but there are no plans to cut off power. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported a tsunami wave over five feet high in Kahului, situated on the north-central coast of Maui island in Hawaii. As tsunami warnings were issued across the Pacific after the significant 8.8-magnitude earthquake off Russia's east coast, travel interruptions are increasing across Hawaii and the US West Coast. Flight delays, diversions, and cancellations to Honolulu have been reported, according to FlightRadar24.
Tracking information shows that several flights destined for Hawaii from locations such as Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco, and San Diego had to turn back late Tuesday. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are postponing departures to Hawaii, rerouting some flights, and advising travelers to verify their flight status before arriving at the airport. Oprah Winfrey has allowed her private road in Maui, Hawaii, to be used by residents who need to evacuate after tsunami warnings, as stated by her representative. The representative informed CNN that they reached out to local authorities and FEMA to ensure the road was accessible once they learned of the tsunami warnings. Local officials are present to assist residents in groups of 50 cars at a time to guarantee safety. The road will stay open for as long as necessary, the representative added. A tsunami warning continues to be in effect for Hawaii, with a wave exceeding five feet reported in Kahului on Maui's north-central shore.
The United States Navy has stationed ships at ports in Hawaii and has instructed people to leave areas along the coastline and beaches as tsunami waves approached the state, as mentioned by a representative from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Oahu. To assist with the evacuations, the military has opened a route along the western Waianae Coast of Oahu, stated Navy Region Hawaii representative Lydia Robertson. She also mentioned that the Navy is making efforts to provide the public with timely updates from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and NOAA, both based at the location. "Ensuring public safety is our main concern as we evaluate the situation and prepare for any developments," Robertson stated.
