Galapagos Braces for Potential Tsunami Following Strong Earthquake in Russia
Tsunami Alert Issued for Galapagos Islands and West Coast of the US
A tsunami alert has been issued for the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador and the rest of the US West Coast, following a powerful earthquake off the southern coast of the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula. The earthquake, which occurred on Wednesday, was initially measured at 8.0 on the Richter scale, but has since been revised to 8.8 by Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The Galapagos Islands, a chain of thirteen large islands located a thousand kilometers west of Ecuador's continental coasts, are particularly at risk. According to Ecuador's National Tsunami Warning Center, there is a high probability of a tsunami affecting the Galapagos Islands. The tsunami is expected to hit the Galapagos at 10:00 local time and the continental coast at 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
The potential impact of the tsunami is far-reaching. It could potentially affect the coasts of Japan, the islands of Melanesia and Micronesia, Hawaii, and the entire American coastline, including the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. However, the countries potentially affected by the tsunami warning are mainly Russia itself, especially the Kamchatka Peninsula and the nearby Kuril Islands. No tsunami threat was issued for distant locations such as Hawaiʻi.
The National Secretariat for Risk Management in Ecuador has issued a statement regarding the potential tsunami threat. Ecuadorian authorities remind that arrival times may vary and the initial wave may not be the largest. People in threatened coastal areas should be attentive to the instructions of national and local authorities.
Experts recommend acting calmly but moving away from the coast to avoid being exposed to the overwhelming force of the water. The danger can persist for many hours after the arrival of the first wave. The tsunami warning recommends suspending coastal marine activities and clearing beaches, docks, and low-lying areas. The Tsunami Early Warning System's sirens will be activated in Ecuador if a tsunami reaches the coasts.
The world's attention is on this terrible phenomenon, which could have disastrous consequences. A tsunami is a series of waves, and the time between wave crests can vary between five minutes and an hour. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a tsunami alert for Hawaii and parts of Alaska on Tuesday.
The earthquake caused immediate tsunamis in the vicinity of the epicenter. It is a reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature. People are urged to stay informed and follow the instructions of their local authorities.
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