An 8.8-magnitude earthquake has struck off Russia’s far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, triggering tsunami warnings for several countries, including New Zealand, Japan, Canada and parts of the US.
Japan warned of waves as high as three metres along coastal areas of the Pacific Ocean, and issued evacuation orders to two million people.
In the US, the tsunami warning covers Alaska, Hawaii and California. The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management in Hawaii posted on X: “Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected.”
New Zealand has said coastal areas could expect ‘strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges at the shore’. The Civil Defence New Zealand told people to stay away from beaches and shore areas, although it has not told people to evacuate.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) issued a warning for more than 14 countries, including the US, China, New Zealand, Japan, Costa Rica, Chile and Ecuador, saying: “An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 8.7 has struck the eastern coast of Russia in the Kamchatka Peninsula region. A tsunami threat message has been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre.
“If you are in the affected areas potentially affected by the earthquake or tsunami you should follow the advice of the local authorities.”
Tour operator InsideJapan said it is monitoring the situation and has contacted customers in the area.
A spokesperson said: “As a result of the earthquake off the coast of Russia today, a tsunami warning was issued along Japan’s Pacific coast. Japanese authorities have advised caution and as a precaution, have evacuated some coastal areas of the northern Tohoku region.
“InsideJapan’s 24-hour Customer Support team on the ground has contacted 345 customers currently in Japan to check on their safety, reassure them and advise, and continues to monitor the situation.
“As of 10:45am BST, the tsunami warnings for Kanto and Tokai regions have now been downgraded to advisories, but the warning remains in place for the northern Tohoku and Hokkaido regions.”
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America was forced to leave passengers onshore in Hawaii and head out to sea after being warned of a potential tsunami hitting the coast at 6pm local time yesterday.
An NCL spokesperson told Travel Gossip: “In response to local emergency procedures and to prioritise the safety of our guests and crew, Pride of America was required to depart Hilo, Hawaii, immediately. The ship departed at 4pm local time, two hours ahead of its scheduled departure time of 6pm.
“Before departure, all guests were notified via SMS and advised to seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities if they were unable to return to the ship in time for its departure. Guests participating in NCL shore excursions were brought directly to a local high school, a designated safe location in Hilo, where refreshments were provided for their comfort and well-being.
“As a precaution and due to the temporary port closure, Pride of America has remained at sea, a safer location in situations such as this.”
Oceania’s Regatta is also in Hawaii, currently in the deep water between Hawaii and Maui. It had been due to call at Kailua-Kona yesterday and Kahului-Maui today.
