Philippines and Indonesia issued tsunami advisories on Wednesday after a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.
The Philippine volcanology agency warned that waves under 1 metre could reach coastal areas by early afternoon. Residents in over 20 provinces were advised to avoid beaches and low-lying coastal zones.
In Indonesia, the meteorology and geophysics agency issued early warnings for parts of North Sulawesi, North Maluku, West Papua, and Gorontalo. While no evacuation orders have been announced, residents are urged to stay away from the shoreline and remain alert.
Japan on alert
In Japan, a 30cm wave reached Hokkaido, triggering tsunami alerts and evacuation orders across eastern and northern coastlines. The Japan Meteorological Agency has since upgraded its warning, predicting waves up to 3 metres from Hokkaido to Wakayama.
Region-wide precautions
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Workers at Fukushima nuclear plant were evacuated as a precaution.
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Train services along parts of Japan’s eastern coast were suspended.
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Multiple aftershocks, including one measuring 6.9, have further rattled the region.
Pacific-wide tsunami warnings
The USGS and US Tsunami Warning Centers issued alerts for hazardous waves across the Pacific basin. Countries potentially affected include:
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Russia, Japan, US (California and Alaska), Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Taiwan, Australia, and Pacific islands, with expected wave heights ranging from 1 to 3 metres.
Governments urged people in coastal regions to evacuate to higher ground and stay away from beaches until further notice. Emergency agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.