Post-Kamchatka earthquake, pacific tranquility returns

In the aftermath of a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, various countries have been affected by tsunami warnings and alerts. Here's a summary of the current situation across the globe.

Russia and the Kuril Islands

Following the initial earthquake, Russia has lifted tsunami warnings in the most affected areas, including the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Kuril Islands. However, a subsequent 6.2 magnitude tremor, with an epicenter located east of Kamchatka's capital, has caused concern. The first wave advanced 200 meters and subsequent waves damaged the infrastructure of Severo-Kurilsk port, leading to the evacuation of around 2,700 people.

Japan

Japan issued a red alert for its coasts, immediately evacuating coastal cities due to the tsunami threat. Tsunamis of different heights were observed on Japanese coasts, reaching 1.3 meters in Iwate, 80 centimeters in Hokkaido, or 30 cm in Yokohama. After careful assessment, Japan deactivated the tsunami risk alert along its entire Pacific coastline, although they continue to recommend caution.

Chile

Chile declared a red alert and evacuated all coastal communes from Arica and Parinacota in the north to Magallanes in the south. The situation has since returned to normal as the tsunami alert was cancelled.

Central America, United States, and Hawaii

Central America maintains an alert for possible tsunami waves of between 30 centimeters and 1 meter in height, excluding the coasts of the United States, Japan, and Hawaii Islands. The US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, stated that the threat of a major tsunami in the country has passed, but some preventive alerts remain in place along the west coast.

Galapagos Archipelago

Around 1,480 inhabitants and tourists on islands such as Santa Cruz and Isabela were evacuated as a preventive measure. Ecuador's Galapagos National Park temporarily closed visit sites in protected areas with maritime access, presence on beaches, and public use areas as a precaution.

Peru

At least 65 ports are closed due to the expected arrival of a 'wave train' with waves up to 2.31 meters high. Another earthquake, magnitude 3.6, occurred in the province of Canas, southern region of Cusco, Peru, with no reported damage.

Antarctica and Colombia

The tsunami alert for the Antarctica region was cancelled, but remained on the central and northern coast of Chile, affecting 1.5 million people. The situation in Colombia returned to normal after the tsunami alert was cancelled due to the decrease in wave height along the coasts.

Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands

Alerts for Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands have been cancelled. Costa Rica declared a yellow alert (vigilance) and suspended aquatic activities due to the expectation of extraordinary currents.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center warned of strong currents along all coasts that could pose a danger to swimmers, mariners, and people near the shore in beaches, ports, and marinas. They also advised that the threat of destructive widespread tsunami waves along coastlines is now over for several areas, but that localized tsunami warnings, watches, or advisories may still be in effect.