New Zealand Issues Tsunami Alert Following 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Russia
New Zealand Issues Tsunami Alert Following 8.8 Magnitude Earthquake in Russia
New Zealand's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has issued a tsunami warning following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Russia, affecting coastal areas across the country. The quake, which struck near the Pacific coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, has triggered alerts for multiple regions in New Zealand, with strong currents and unpredictable surges expected to hit the shores overnight.
According to NEMA, the combination of powerful currents and erratic wave patterns poses a serious risk to public safety, potentially leading to injuries or drowning. As a result, the agency has advised residents and visitors to avoid coastal areas, including beaches, harbors, piers, river mouths, and estuaries.
The earthquake initially measured 8.7 on the Richter scale, but it was later upgraded to 8.8, indicating a more powerful seismic event than first estimated. The tremor, which occurred at a depth of 74 kilometers, is described as one of the most intense in decades, though no injuries have been reported so far. In response, local officials in Russia’s Sakhalin region issued evacuation orders for the town of Severo-Kurilsk after a tsunami alert was raised.
‘This is the strongest earthquake in decades,’ said Vladimir Solodov, the Governor of Kamchatka, in a video message on Telegram. He added that while no injuries have been reported, a local kindergarten was damaged in the quake.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has predicted that tsunami waves of approximately one meter in height could reach coastal areas around 1 p.m. local time. Meanwhile, the U.S. Tsunami Warning System has warned that destructive tsunami waves could hit parts of Russia and Japan’s coasts within the next three hours. In addition, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have entered a tsunami alert status.
Coastal regions in New Zealand that have been placed under a tsunami alert include:
- North Island: West Coast from Cape Reinga to Raglan, covering areas such as Auckland and Manukau Harbour; East and South Coast from Cape Reinga to Makara, including Whangārei, Great Barrier Island, and Wellington South Coast.
- South Island: West Coast from Farewell Spit to Milford Sound, including Westport, Greymouth, and Hokitika; East and South Coast from Clarence River to Puysegur Point, including Christchurch, Banks Peninsula, and Invercargill.
- Stewart Island and Chatham Islands.
NEMA has emphasized that while coastal flooding is not expected, the unusual and unpredictable nature of the surges means that public safety is a top priority. Authorities have urged people to stay away from beaches and avoid any activities that could put them at risk during the next few hours.
Residents in New Zealand are advised to stay informed through emergency broadcasts and to use battery-powered radios or car radios in case of power outages or communication disruptions.
As the situation unfolds, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant and follow official guidance from emergency management agencies to ensure their safety and the safety of their communities.
