US alerts harbors and coastal areas following powerful Russian earthquake

Photo credit: U.S. Coast Guard

Update: The US Coast Guard captain of the port Honolulu reopened all commercial harbors in the Hawaiian Islands following the end of the tsunami advisory Wednesday. “While the ports are now fully reopened to maritime traffic, we are working continuously with our federal, state, local agency, and industry partners to assess any potential hazards and keep commerce flowing safely,” said capt. Nicholas Worst, commander of Coast Guard sector Honolulu and captain of the port Honolulu. The Coast Guard is urging all mariners to proceed with caution due to the potential for shoaling and unmarked hazards. 

A powerful earthquake of magnitude 8.7 struck off Russia’s Petropavlovsk Kamchatka, triggering Tsunami warnings and advisories for Hawaii, portions of Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, and the West Coast of the US.

A tsunami advisory was issued for the California coast following an 8.7 magnitude earthquake, 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka in Russia.

In response, the U.S. Coast Guard issued on July 30 a tsunami advisory for the state of California and ordered the evacuation of Hawaii harbors.

The National Weather Service initiated a tsunami warning from Cape Mendocino to north of the California/Oregon border. An advisory is in effect from Cape Mendocino to the California/Mexico border, the US Coast Guard said in its release yesterday.

According to the National Weather Service, a tsunami is expected that could create strong currents posing risks to swimmers, boats, and coastal infrastructure. While widespread flooding is not anticipated, damage within harbors is possible. Water surges in and out of harbors may cause boats and docks to break free from their moorings.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port Honolulu issued an order for the evacuation of commercial vessels from all commercial harbors in the Hawaiian Islands due to the estimated arrival of tsunami waves on Tuesday at 7:17 p.m.

All harbors in Hawaii have been closed to incoming vessel traffic. Vessels transiting within the vicinity of the Hawaiian Islands or inbound to ports in Hawaii shall remain offshore until conditions subside.

The COTP Honolulu will monitor the status of the ports and reopen each port on a case-by-case basis after hazardous conditions have subsided. “Vessels shall remain at sea until receiving confirmation that the ports are reopened by the COTP,” the US Coast Guard noted in its release issued on July 30.

Port status information and updates will be provided via VHF-FM channel 16. All vessels and facilities should immediately report any dangerous situations to the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center.

Recommended Actions

If you are within a tsunami warning area, evacuate inland or to higher ground above and beyond designated tsunami hazard zones or move to an upper floor of a multi-story building depending on your situation.

If you are within a tsunami advisory area, move off the beach and out of harbors and marinas.

DO NOT go to the coast to watch the tsunami.

The Coast Guard urges those within areas at risk for impact to monitor local weather advisories for warning level updates and evacuation orders.

Video: Coast Guard reopens ports in Hawaii