On July 30th, a powerful earthquake struck the eastern waters of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting various tsunami warning systems to be activated across several locations, including Hawaii, Alaska, the West Coast, and Guam.
According to reports from the Xinhua News Agency, the National Tsunami Warning Center of the U.S. National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the Aleutian Islands of Alaska and Hawaii. Furthermore, tsunami watches were put in place for California, Oregon, Washington, as well as Guam and American Samoa.
U.S. media has indicated that the first waves of the tsunami are expected to reach Hawaii at approximately 7:10 PM HST (1:10 PM Singapore Time) on the 29th, potentially leading to destructive tsunami conditions. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has activated its emergency operation center, as well as a joint information center.
In response to the threat, Hawaii has also implemented a statewide warning system, with alarms sounding across all islands. For the next three hours, sirens will sound at the top of each hour for the first ten minutes, urging residents to evacuate coastal areas or seek higher ground.
The U.S. tsunami warning system consists of four levels, with “Tsunami Warning” being the highest level, followed by “Tsunami Watch.”
This activation of emergency protocols highlights the importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. The swift response from emergency management agencies can potentially save lives and ensure safety for those in at-risk areas. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow safety guidelines as the situation develops.