Background on the Situation
The Mexican government has issued a warning to keep the population away from Pacific beaches following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
Who is Affected?
The Mexican Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR) has advised civil protection authorities across Mexico to ensure the public’s safety along Pacific coasts from Baja California in the northwest to Chiapas in the south.
Tsunami Warnings and Expected Impact
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, the earthquake triggered tsunami alerts with potential wave heights of up to three meters along coastlines in countries like Japan.
- Mexico: SEMAR reported expecting waves between 30 centimeters and one meter along national coastlines starting at 2:00 AM (Central) on July 30.
- Japan: The Japan Meteorological Agency adjusted its warning, anticipating tsunami waves up to 3 meters that would reach extensive coastal areas starting around 1:00 AM GMT. The Japanese government issued evacuation orders for certain regions.
- Russia, Alaska, and Hawaii: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami advisory for dangerous waves within the next three hours along coastlines in Russia, Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. Guam and other Micronesian islands also received tsunami alerts.
Key Actions and Recommendations
SEMAR urged extra caution for vessels in port and advised people to move away from the coast of Kamchatka Peninsula, where a tsunami of 3 to 4 meters was reported in some areas.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK advised residents and factory workers in northern Hokkaido to evacuate quickly to higher, inland areas away from the coast.
Context and Relevance
Kamchatka Peninsula is where the Pacific and North American tectonic plates meet, making it one of the world’s most seismically active regions.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the magnitude of the earthquake? The earthquake registered 8.8 on the Richter scale.
- Which countries are affected by tsunami warnings? Tsunami alerts have been issued for Mexico, Japan, Russia, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and other Micronesian islands.
- What actions have been recommended by authorities? Authorities have advised people to stay away from coastlines, urged vessels in port to take caution, and issued evacuation orders for coastal areas in Japan.
